Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has underscored her firm stance against any recurrence of the 2013-14 incidents of arson terrorism and inhuman atrocities in the run-up to the next national election. During a community reception held in her honor at the Methodist Central Hall Westminster, she emphasized that there would be no tolerance for such actions conducted in the name of a movement.
Recalling the events of 2013-14, Prime Minister Hasina pointed out that the BNP-Jamaat alliance had wreaked havoc across the country by setting people on fire, destroying public and private properties with petrol bombs hurled at various modes of transportation, including buses, trains, and launches. These actions led to severe burn injuries for many, including women, who continue to suffer from the consequences.
She clarified that her government had no objection to peaceful movements but highlighted the stark difference between peaceful protests and movements that involve killing people through arson terrorism and damaging the nation’s assets. She also referenced a past incident where 29 police personnel were killed, emphasizing that any attempt to harm innocent citizens would not be tolerated.
Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen and AL Publicity and Publication Secretary Dr. Abdus Sobhan Golap were in attendance during the event, presided over by UK AL President Sultan Sharif and moderated by General Secretary Syed Sajedur Rahman Faruk.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who also serves as the President of the ruling Awami League, criticized the BNP’s claims about democracy, citing their dubious election practices. She noted that the people of Bangladesh had swiftly removed the BNP from power within a short period after they conducted a controversial election on February 15, 1996.
Regarding voter lists, she pointed out that the BNP-Jamaat alliance had attempted to manipulate elections by creating a voter list with 1.23 crore fake voters. In contrast, Awami League leaders and activists had worked tirelessly to establish and protect the voting rights of the people, with some even sacrificing their lives in the process.
Prime Minister Hasina reiterated her commitment to holding free and fair elections, highlighting the reforms implemented by her government, including the establishment of an independent election commission and the introduction of transparent ballot boxes and voter lists with photographs.
She also mentioned that the BNP’s focus had shifted from political movements to seeking treatment abroad for Khaleda Zia. She clarified that she had acted within the confines of the law when allowing Khaleda Zia to stay at home after suspending her jail term in a corruption case.
Prime Minister Hasina called upon Bangladeshi expatriates to send remittances through official banking channels, acknowledging their contributions to the country’s progressive and democratic movements, including the War of Liberation in 1971.
In light of rising inflation due to global factors, she encouraged citizens to utilize every inch of land for agriculture to reduce dependency on food imports. She briefly outlined her government’s efforts to advance Bangladesh economically and digitally, with the goal of transforming it into a developed and prosperous nation by 2041.
