Heads Of Government

"…religion frees people from the worship of secular values and authoritarian state power. I know this from experience. I lived half my life under a communist dictatorship in . My own uncle was killed by the secret police. The regime sought to crush both historic and new religions through many forms of coercion. But it [had] ultimately collapsed, peacefully, in 1989. In Slovakia, the main force behind the peaceful resistance and the fight for freedom was the Christian community—especially the Catholic Church."

"Democracy is a way of life and a way of thinking rather than just law and institutions. There are no alternatives to it. We apply the experience of advanced democracies to our condition and to historical evolution. What matters at present is the instruments for the development of democracy rather than the fundamental character of democracy itself. Development of democracy is a never-ending process of getting acquainted with social evolution and relations."

"The protection of the rights of people belonging to national minorities should not be confused with the nurturing of nationalism on the part of minorities, or efforts towards irredentism, language ghettoisation and separation. Two different standards should not be applied for the assessment of the protection of human and civil rights."

"The fact that we had been in power for a long time meant that we had fought hard against the communists, whom we continually pressed. We came to blows with those who didn't want an independent Slovakia. We fought with parties who didn't share our view for economic and social transforamtion."

"There are two kinds of freedom. The first is freedom around me, and the second is freedom inside me. I've always felt freedom inside and valued myself, never allowing anyone to take it. I was freer with a shovel than someone who had a high position."

"As for developments in Slovakia it must be said that Slovaks wanted change. But not everywhere. People were cautious because they were afraid or didn't know what the future held. They wanted a change, but had misgivings about what would be next. To a certain extent, the communists helped the revolution a lot because they left their offices and their duties freely, preventing conflict. Their power collapsed from within."

"Quite often, I am asked what is the most difficult task I have had to solve in my life. Life has taught me the lesson that it is only the tasks that we have not yet dealt with which can be much more difficult than the ones we have already resolved."

"If I want to have a political career, I have to work on my image. I am not willing to do this. I ask myself if what is written about me is really true or if my deeds were different. I am confident that what I did is different than most of what was written. But to a certain extent I think that the countries that gave me a bad image are covering up a peculiar quality they have - an inability to work with people who have alternate and independent views."

"Our ancestors developed a powerful state from the sixth to the ninth century. The first diocese in central and eastern Europe was situated in our territory. It was here that patron saints of Europe, St Cyril and St Methodius were engaged in their proselytising activities, and Christianity spread further to the east as a result. Our forefathers’ language was recognised as the fourth liturgical language. I do not want to lecture on history, but rather to suggest that if Europe is now developing for the second millennium under Christian influence, then we have always been an integral part of that process."

"Slovakia did several things well. It attracted foreign investors with innovative tax and other incentives. And it made important geopolitical friends, especially by backing the United States in Afghanistan and Iraq, and by instituting reforms to meet EU criteria. Both of these steps helped it integrate into international structures that give disproportionately large opportunity to small countries. Fortunately, Meciar was voted out early enough for his successors to turn his achievement into one that truly benefited his countrymen."

"I wouldn't say that 'countries' judged us. Rather, there were economic groups involved in energy, gas and banking that I didn't allow to take part in privatisation because it was simply not in the interest of the state at that time. There were also political groups who wanted to have, in every government, people from whom they knew what to expect. They don't very much like people from whom they don't know what to expect. I'd also say that Western politicians are suspicious of charismatic leaders who appeal to a large number of voters at home."

"We have arrived as free among the free, equal among the equal, in the name of humanity, the best values of mankind, in the interest of the rights of man, a nation, a state. We confirm our interest in participating in the building of a new Europe with shared values of democracy, human rights and freedom, while respecting the right for an individual path towards the achievement of these values."

"My only regret is that my dream for a prosperous Slovakia, where good wins over evil, is a dream without an end for me. This makes me sorry. I really regret that many people never understood that I always served them, I never knew of anything different besides their interests. Many people don't speak about my accomplishments but rather attack my personality so they can hide their own weakness."

"The many years of struggle between ideas of collectivism and individualism return us to the original values of Christianity and humanism. In practice, we have succeeded in defending our way, the Slovak way, of transformation of society."

"The second moment was when we Slovaks rose from life as a nationality to become a real, living country, and that we built the foundation for globalisation, which means that Slovakia will join the international community. Nobody before me for 1,000 years was able to accomplish this. This incredible historical moment is, as always in Slovakia, the subject of much hate and love. To a certain degree, this historical fact complicates my life terribly."

""He (Sheikh Mujib) did not want the independence of Bangladesh. He wanted to become the Prime Minister of Pakistan. If Ziaur Rahman had not declared independence, the liberation war would not have happened." (22 May 2016)"

"Dacca, Major Zia Ur Rahman, Pak Army. We all happy with your job. We must say, good job. You will get new job soon.Don't worry about your family. Your wife and kids are fine. You have to be more careful about Major Jalil. Col. Baig, Pak Army, May 29. 1971"

"Dear General Jamshed, My wife Khaleda is under your custody. If you do not treat her with respect, I would kill you someday. Major Zia"

"Today, our entire nation is silent in deep grief and pain. The top leader of the country's democratic politics, former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is no longer with us. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un. We are deeply saddened and shocked by the demise of Khaleda Zia. The nation has lost a great guardian in her death. In this moment of deep grief, he expressed his sincere condolences to Khaleda Zia's family members, political colleagues and countless workers and supporters on behalf of the entire nation. He said, 'My prayer to the Almighty God is that He may give us all the strength to overcome this deep grief. Khaleda Zia was an absolutely glorious figure in Bangladeshi politics. Her outstanding role in the struggle to establish democracy, multi-party political culture and people's rights will remain immortal in history. Her uncompromising leadership against tyranny and fascism has repeatedly shown the nation the way out of undemocratic situations and has inspired liberation. The nation will forever remember her brilliant contribution to the country and the nation with respect. Khaleda Zia's long political journey, people-oriented leadership, and her steadfast role in upholding the independence and sovereignty of her beloved motherland will be unforgettable. The void of such a great, far-sighted and pure patriotic leader cannot be filled. At this moment of grief, my sincere appeal to you - let us all, from our respective positions, seek forgiveness from the Almighty God for the departed soul of Begum Khaleda Zia. At the same time, let us remain united in this difficult time for the nation. I urge everyone to be vigilant so that no one can attempt instability or sabotage during this time of mourning. It is very important for all of us to play our responsible role at this time. I know that all of you are very emotional at this time. I hope that you will show patience in this time of grief and cooperate with everyone involved in carrying out all the formalities, including her funeral. May Allah Almighty grant us all patience, strength and the ability to remain united."

"They says, her liver is rotting. Everyone knows what causes liver rot quickly."

"When Khaleda Zia repeatedly refused to leave the Pakistan Army-controlled cantonment, General Zia told me that he would divorce her after the war. But it did not happen with the intervention of Bangabandhu."

"After the city of Chittagong was captured by the enemy, when Begum Khaleda Zia hid under a burqa and fled from Chittagong by steamer to Narayanganj, it was Mr. Mozammel Haque who brought her from Narayanganj to Dhaka. That day was May 16. Curfew was imposed in Dhaka city. Curfew was also imposed in Narayanganj from the evening. In the meantime, he painted the Red Cross mark on his car and rushed to Narayanganj terminal. About ten days after bringing Begum Zia, on May 26, the Pakistani soldiers called all the officers with the name Haque in the Industrial Development Organization and asked if anyone was related to Colonel Zia. Mr. Mozammel Haque realized that danger was approaching. He hid his relationship with Colonel Zia there and returned home on the pretext of illness and immediately made arrangements to remove Begum Zia from her house. But not finding a suitable place, he finally left her at the house of one of his uncles in Dhanmondi for a few days on 28th May and from there on 3rd June he was again shifted to the house of Mr. Mujibur Rahman, Assistant Director of Geological Survey and a few days later to the house of Mr. SK Abdullah, Deputy Director of Geological Survey. In the meantime, on 13th June, the Pakistani army men came and raided the house of Mr. Mozammel Haque. A certain Colonel Khan was leading this raiding party. Colonel Khan questioned Begum Zia and said that they had seen Begum Zia in this house. Not getting any satisfactory answer from Mr. Haque, his ten-year-old son Don was also questioned. Don clearly told Colonel Khan that he had not seen his aunt in the last three years. When all efforts failed, Khan's soldiers searched his house. But not finding Begum Zia there, he returned in despair. Before leaving, he was told that if he did not tell the truth, he would be taken to the cantonment. After that, Mr. Haque realized that he was being followed all the time. Wherever he went, Feu followed him. In this situation, he took leave from the office on the pretext of his mother's illness and made arrangements to leave Dhaka with his family. As arranged, on July 1, they left the car in the garage and went out through the back door and boarded two auto-rickshaws. The intention was to go to Begum Zia's maternal uncle's house in Dhanmondi and board for the time being. But as soon as they reached the Science Laboratory, one of their auto-rickshaws broke down. In this situation, they went to a friend's house on Green Road nearby and boarded. But a big surprise awaited them here. As soon as Mr. Haque reached here, the wife of this distinguished friend of his informed him that they had received a letter written by Colonel Zia. The letter was written to Mr. Haque and they had been looking for him for a few days to send it to him. Not understanding how Colonel Zia's letter addressed to him came to this house, he was completely surprised and wanted to see the letter. His friend's son took out the letter. To check whether it was really written by Colonel Zia, he gave it to his friend's son and sent it to Mr. Mujibur Rahman of the Geological Survey. Meanwhile, as evening approached, Mr. Haque sought shelter at his friend's house for the night. Assuring them of a safer place, they were sent to a small house in Sutrapur at night. His friend's son brought them to this house in a car. Here they took shelter in a small room. But the next day, they found that the Pakistani army had surrounded the house. Dozens of armed soldiers were standing in front of the house. The head of this group was Captain Sajjad and Captain Arif. They went inside and started questioning them about Colonel Zia and Begum Zia. Mr. Haque and his wife denied their relationship with Zia. But when Captain Sajjad showed them a group photo of Begum Zia with Mr. and Begum Haque, they admitted to their relationship with Zia. However, they said that they did not know where the Colonel and Begum Zia were. At this stage, around 5 pm, Mr. Haque and his wife were taken to Malibagh intersection in a military vehicle and kept in front of Mouchak Market until evening. Here they were told that Begum Zia had been arrested. Then they were taken around the second capital area and brought back to their house in Sutrapur and released. From here, they came to Mr. Haque's friend's house on Green Road at night and from there returned to his own house in Khilgaon. It is noteworthy that on this day, Begum Zia and Mr. Abdullah, as well as Mr. Mujibur Rahman, were arrested by the Pak army from Mr. SK Abdullah's house in Siddheshwari."

""Khaleda Zia has not spent a single taka on herself. Yet, there is propaganda in her name that she is killing orphans' money. But no propaganda can erase her unparalleled popularity, nor can it erase her self-sacrifice." Asif Nazrul about her (8 February 2020)"

"Khaleda Zia has no fear, we have not left the streets, I do not accept these slogans. When they are supposed to be on the streets, they were not there. Why should I tell many people, even my leaders, that those who were supposed to be on the streets, were not there. Please do not give these slogans anymore. Learn good slogans. I do not need to bring slum boys to run the party."

"I said I don't want anything, I want to work for the people, for the country, for the people now. I have no desire to be the Prime Minister. I have no desire to be anything else. All I have is, these children of my country, who have become new voters, and the people, who could not vote, by the next vote, this son of b..ahhhmm.. they will send away the "government without votes", the people's government of the country will be established."

""Students, youth are our future. To realize the dream for which the youth have poured their blood, we must build a democratic Bangladesh based on talent, ability and knowledge. A prosperous Bangladesh free from exploitation. The rights of all religions and communities must be ensured. To build a modern Bangladesh based on peace, progress and equality. Let us strengthen the hands of the youth. Let us build a society based on love, peace and knowledge, not destruction, not revenge." (7 August 2024)"

"Hey girl, where is your home? Gopali (Gopalgonj)? The name of Gopalganj will change, do you understand? The disrespectful rats. The name of Gopalganj will not exist. Those who are doing this, Allah's wrath will fall on you.' , 'Where are your officers? You have talked a lot so far....Why are you keeping your mouth shut now? . ... 57 officers were killed. Where was Hasina that day? Where was Hasina's force that day? Why didn't she send this force. Because she herself was involved in this murder.There will be no profit in Hasina's mediation. Stay with the people of Bangladesh. Stay with the people. Stay with the people of the country. Only then will it work. The country will survive, the people will survive. Today, it has become everyone's responsibility to save the country. And now you are going door to door and killing people. Do you think there is no accounting for these? The cries of these mothers and sisters... the cries of the wives of BDR officers—will these be in vain? These will never be in vain. Those who are oppressing us today will one day be blinded by tears like these. 'Stop pushing and shoving. Don't push and shove. We didn't come to push and shove. Don't climb on us. Stay away. Where is your place? You are supposed to be on the streets, why have you come home? Why are your daughters arguing like this? These daughters should be quiet. How many days have you been in the service, that you talk so much? Why do you talk so much? Be quiet. Where is the shamelessness? You are the protectors of democracy. And the police force that exists, they are neither there to protect democracy, nor to protect the country. You are the soldiers to protect the country, to protect democracy. We are with you. We will be there, God willing. So, my fellow journalists, fellow lawyers... I express my sympathy to the people who have taken to the streets and have been humiliated in various ways. My sincere thanks. Our program will continue tomorrow as well.' I want to tell the people through the media, 'Democracy has been destroyed today. Now, they should respond to the call I have given to save democracy and the country. The people have responded. Today, the government has closed all the roads and vehicles out of fear so that the people cannot come. But this program will continue. This government is an illegal government. This government is an undemocratic, autocratic government. This government has no right to be in power. If this government has any shame, it will leave immediately.'"

""In this life without relatives, my countrymen are my relatives. Allah is my only hope. No matter where I am, as long as I live, I will not leave my countrymen." (8 February 2018)"

"Allama Shafi has repeatedly said that he does not adhere to Jamaat-e-Islami. Still, Awami League and its supporting intellectuals continue to accuse him of thwarting the trial of Jamaat-e-Islami and war criminals. From this it is understood that the problem of Awami League is not about Razakar or the liberation war, the problem is about Islam. If not, why will Sheikh Hasina make obscene story writer Rajib Haider alias Thaba Baba (claw father, a pseudonym) the first martyr of the Second Liberation War about the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) of Islam? And there are so many groups in the program of Hefazat Islam, why will Shahriar Kabir, the contractor of food in the canteen of the Pakistani army go to strike? They talk about Islam on their faces during vote politics and hijab on their heads and Tababih on their hands, but in reality they are enemies of Islam. They are hypocrites. Avoid and prevent them."

"I have declared three days of state mourning for the death of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and a day of general holiday in her prayers tomorrow."

"It was about the elementary survival of people in the region where my parents come from,"

""Repressive asylum policy" will not prevent people in need from fleeing to Germany"

"responsibility towards affected African countries and in particular the population in Mali."

"In Germany, it is still the case that 95% of the people who deal with migration and asylum-seeking issues will never be affected by the laws,"

"That is when I noticed that many problems still exist in refugee policy,"

"many a decision would be closer to the reality of life of the people directly affected by the laws."

"She said she would strive to find out what she can do in Germany to ensure that political decisions on climate policy do not have a negative impact on her parents' homeland.[https://www.dw.com/en/new-role-for-aminata-toure-german-green-with-african-roots/a-5020251"

"In Mali they immediately recognized that we didn't grow up there,"

"I've always found politics exciting,"

"They thought we were French or American."

"Among other things. I believe that women often have to invest more in parties than men because they are in the minority. That scares you again. Many social groups are not involved in politics because they simply cannot afford to invest so much time. Personally, I don't have the impression that I had to give up much for political work, but that I actually gained a lot from the opportunity to do politics. Basically, in the political world, both women and men have to be able to endure a lot, for example being hostile for the positions they represent."

"It is my pleasure to join the Sanitation and Water for All Global Leadership Council. Access to water and sanitation is a basic human right, yet 2.4 billion people around the world lack basic sanitation services such as toilets or latrines. As a girls’ rights advocate, it is of particular interest to promote universal access to toilets in all schools, all around the world. Here in Africa, we do know that having toilets in school is a good way of keeping girls in schools."

"Since the United Nations resolution, it is now clear that women are important contributors to the maintaining peace (…) Despite the encouraging indications, it must also be said that measures regarding the inclusion of leadership and the involvement of women remain insufficient. We even note regressions."

""They fought for survival and had no time for political participation," she said."

""I don't want to choose between one of these two worlds," she said."

"What about Black Girls? With German-Turkish boys? What about us? For a long time I didn't even dare to dream certain things because they seemed presumptuous. Dreaming is not about something being realistic. It's about dreaming what you imagine for yourself, for the world, for your environment, for your family. And anyone who has to limit themselves when dreaming is not free or equal.”"

"“It's not about one minority person making it and then everything is achieved. It's about how we can have the same dreams, say them out loud without anyone laughing. Laughs because he or she knows that this is a dream that cannot be had. How ready would this society be for a black woman on the board of a DAX company? For a black chancellor? We often talk about glass ceilings for women."

"“Of course there are obstacles put in your way!”"

"International Women's Day is more relevant than ever this year! Right-wing movements, especially the AfD, question feminist achievements. We Greens are resolutely opposed to this. We cannot do a right-wing “roll back” against the promotion of women, gender and equality. On the contrary, we continue to fight resolutely for equality, diversity and tolerance. We firmly oppose the attempt by racists to exploit the women's movement and queer commitment. We fight to ensure that all people can live their gender identity without restrictions."

"“Every day there is that little bit that changes us. People. words. Music. Books. Sentences. A laugh. Afraid of a moment. A dispute. Boredom. Every day there is that little bit that changes us.”"