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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2005
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For more information:
Lindsey Wray
(202) 496-1992
lwray@iwmf.org
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Courage acceptance speech - Sumi Khan
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.
I begin by expressing my gratitude to IWMF for selecting me as a recipient of this prestigious award. I am humbled by this rare honor.
Your recognition not only encourages and emboldens me to do what I have taken as a mission in life, but also empowers me to do more.
As you know, journalists expose evil forces in and outside the government. They tell of killing of women, report about persecution of religious and ethnic minorities and indigenous people—and are extremely vulnerable in Bangladesh.
Several of my colleagues—including Monazat Uddin, Manik Saha, and Humayan Kabir balu—were murdered.
Many others were injured for their bold reporting. I operate under such death threats myself—and your recognition empowers me in such a way that the Islamists might think twice before including me on their hit lists.
Ladies and gentlemen: whatever courage I may have demonstrated through my work comes from my wonderful parents, who are both human rights activists.
My father, Saifuddin Khan, was a Bangla language movement activist and freedom fighter in the Bangladesh liberation war. My mother, Nurjahan Khan, is a devoted social worker. My husband, Alex Alim, and my two sons – Atulon and Gohon – are always there for me.
As I receive your prestigious award today, I thank my parents for raising me to want to support those who are oppressed. My work enables me to uphold a pluralistic, secular democracy and stand up to the evil forces inside the government and society.
I also want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the editors and colleagues who always have been pillars of support. With their help and encouragement, I have been able to work and perform what I believe are my responsibilities to my profession and to my country.
I’m often confronted with the question: “Are you afraid?” No, i’m not. They are afraid. I believe my pen is mightier than all their weapons....
Thank you for listening to my story and for being here with me today. Thank you, IWMF. Long live the International Women’s Media Foundation, and long live courageous journalism!
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