Abu Jakir : In a stern warning issued during a community reception in her honor at the Methodist Central Hall Westminster, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated that there would be no tolerance for incidents reminiscent of the 2013-14 arson terrorism and inhuman atrocities that shook Bangladesh in the name of political movements.
The premier asserted that no mercy would be shown to those responsible for arson attacks, violence against common citizens, and the destruction of public and private properties in the lead-up to the next national election.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her grave concerns about the violent acts perpetrated by the BNP-Jamaat alliance during 2013-14, where they carried out widespread chaos across the country.
The alliance was accused of burning people to death and causing extensive damage by hurling petrol bombs from multi-modal vehicles, including passenger buses, trains, and launches, all under the guise of a so-called "movement."
The consequences of these attacks were severe, with many people, including women, suffering critical burn injuries. These individuals have since been leading lives marred by the inhumanity of their injuries.
Addressing the BNP directly, Sheikh Hasina stated, "We have no objection to your political movement, but when your actions result in the loss of innocent lives through arson terrorism and the destruction of our nation's properties, it becomes unacceptable.
In the past, you even took the lives of 29 police personnel. If any such attempts are made on the lives of my distressed citizens, no leniency will be shown."
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and AL Publicity and Publication Secretary Abdus Sobhan Golap were also present at the event.
Sheikh Hasina, who is also the president of the ruling Awami League, criticized the BNP's claims to uphold democracy, pointing out their history of manipulating and undermining the voting rights of the people. She referred to the farcical election held by the BNP on February 15, 1996, which led to their swift ousting from power by the people of Bangladesh within just one and a half months.
Highlighting the BNP-Jamaat alliance's attempt to prepare a voter list with 1.23 crore fake voters, the Prime Minister contrasted their actions with the sacrifices made by Awami League leaders and activists in their struggle to establish voting rights and democracy in the country.
Sheikh Hasina reassured the nation of her commitment to holding free and fair elections. She emphasized that her government had implemented various reforms, including the establishment of the Election Commission and ensuring its financial independence. Transparent ballot boxes and a voter list with photographs were introduced to facilitate transparent elections.
Addressing the ongoing movement by the BNP to send Khaleda Zia abroad for medical treatment, Sheikh Hasina clarified that she had allowed Khaleda Zia to stay home after suspending her jail term for corruption, exercising her executive power as the head of the government. She stressed that her actions were in accordance with the law, and she had no influence over the decision to send Khaleda Zia abroad for treatment.
Regarding the expectation of sympathy from her, Sheikh Hasina pointed to various incidents in the past, such as the 15 August 1975 carnage, the 21 August 2004 grenade attacks, the conversion of Sheikh Rehana's house into a police outpost, and the incident of not being allowed to enter Khaleda Zia's house after the death of her son Koko. She questioned, "How do they expect more sympathy from me for Khaleda Zia?"
In her closing remarks, the Prime Minister called upon Bangladeshi expatriates to send remittances through official banking channels. She highlighted their significant contributions to Bangladesh's progressive and democratic movements, including the War of Liberation in 1971.
Amidst rising inflation due to the Ukraine war and sanctions, Sheikh Hasina urged citizens not to leave any land uncultivated, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency in food production.
