Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reaffirmed her pledge to reinforce a process of fair politics and restore violence-free campus, reports UNB.

"We have succeeded in restoring a stream of sound politics at least to some extent, and we ll achieve more in future." she said at the Golden Jubilee of Begum Badrunnesa Women's College yesterday morning.

She sought cooperation from guardians, teachers and students in her government's mission to free educational institutions from violence and restore sanctity of campus enabling flourishing of knowledge and free-thinking.

Education Minister A S H K Sadique also spoke at the function chaired by principal of the college Prof Nilufar Huda.

Sheikh Hasina was a student of the Eden Intermediate College. later renamed Begum Badrunnesa Women s College, and was an elected vice-president of the college students union.

She said her party has roots in people's love and confidence. "Our politics is not dependent on student politics as we do not need to use them as a tool for survival."

Unless any national issue arises, what is the necessity of student movement, she wondered. with regard to current trends of campus politics.

"Terrorism does not deli ver... politics banking on terrorism and devoid of ideology cannot last long." she said.

Elaborating on the motto of her politics and the objectives of her government, the Prime Minister said. "We want to make Bangladesh into a Sonar Bangla, once dreamt by Father of the Nation, which will ensure food and shelter for all. and raise head aloft with dignity."

Hasina said she lost everything on the black August 15 night of 1975 and had nothing to gain for herself. "My only objective now is how to free the country from hunger and poverty.'"

Stressing the need for expansion of women education she said women's rights could not yet be established as it was desired.

"No nation, state or society can progress keeping behind the

women, who constitute half the population." she told her audi-* ence at the celebrations.

She referred to government policy for women and children rights, but said much more steps need to be taken and called upon the educated women to come up for social reforms for enlightening more of their folk who are still lagging behind. She felt the neea for further expansion of women education.

The Prime Minister described the direct participation of women in Union Parishad elections as a "silent revolution" in empowering rural women.

She mentioned her government's initiatives to bring more women in key official posts. We have got one female secretary and will appoint two female ambassadors. We have already made two women SPs."

The Prime Minister gave an important disclosure that she had already talked to the President about appointing a lady judge in the Supreme Court, for the first time in the country. She. however, pointed to the barriers of seniority in promoting women to pivotal posts.

Reiterating her government's pledge for achieving 100 per cent literacy, she said although literacy rate grew 56 per cent from 52 per cent in one year, about half the population still kept groping in the darkness of illiteracy. More educational institutions are required for reaching the goal, she added.

Number of educational institutions has not risen to cope with the growing population, she noted, informing that the Land Ministry has been asked to find out places for 10 new schools in the city.

The Education Minister said it is a great pride for an educational institution to get one of its old pupils as Prime Minister. He said the Education Ministry would support the college for introducing honours and master's course in science subjects.

Vice-Principal of the College and convenor of the Festival Committee Prof Khurshid Jahan welcomed the guests while secretary of the committee Fahima Khatun gave the vote of thanks.