Condemning the Israeli atrocities committed against innocent women and children in Gaza, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called upon all parties to ensure humanitarian access and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza,

The prime minister made the call while she was delivering a statement at the Opening Ceremony of the International Conference on Women in Islam: Status and Empowerment held in Jeddah, KSA on November 6, said a foreign ministry press release here on Tuesday.

Reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to remain united for an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, the prime minister expressed her steadfast commitment to do her part on behalf of the Palestinian brothers and sisters.

Sheikh Hasina attended the Conference as a Guest of Honor as a global recognition of her exemplary role in women empowerment.

She spoke about women empowerment locally and globally and expressed Bangladesh’s readiness to share her experience in enhancing the opportunities of Muslim women in particular.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Chair of the Islamic Summit), OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha, the Vice-President of Benin, the United Nations Deputy-Secretary General Amina Mohammed, Foreign Minister of Indonesia, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad of Mauritania delivered speech in the Opening Ceremony of the Conference.

On the sideline of the Opening Ceremony of the Conference Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan, OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha, Vice-President of the Iran for Women and Family Affairs Ensieh Khaz'ali, and Executive Director of OIC Women Development Organization (WDO) Afnan Alshuaibly called on the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, separately.

This three-day long Conference aims to shed light on the successes of Muslim women and promote women empowerment in Muslim societies.