Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday alleged that BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia has been carrying on her so-called movement for democracy, hoping that someone from ‘Uttarpara’ would place her in power as she does not believe in democracy.
“The way the Pakistani occupation forces had unleashed oppression and killing on the Bangladeshi people in 1971, the same way Khaleda forces are now unleashing torture and oppression. The people of the country will have to give a befitting reply to this,” she said.
The Prime Minister further said, “We’ve restored democracy in the country, but now she (Khaleda) claims that she is on a movement for democracy. But, she’s looking towards the ‘Uttarpara’ as if someone from there would put her in power as you (Khaleda) don’t believe in democracy.”
Hasina was addressing a discussion meeting marking the International Mother Language Day at the Krishibid Institution Bhaban in the city’s Khamarbari area in the afternoon.
Hasina, also the President of the ruling Awami League, presided over the meeting.
Taking a swipe at the civil society members, the Prime Minister said they have perhaps forgotten that if anyone grabs power illegally and unconstitutionally, then the consequences would be the capital punishment. “So, it won’t be pointless to remain under this illusion.”
She said even Ziaur Rahman, Ershad, Moeen U Ahmed and Fakhruddin might have perceived the consequences of such efforts. “I don’t believe that anyone would dare to step in such fire …I don’t know who is helping her (Khaleda) indulge in ‘daydream’.”
Hasina said even Dr Kamal Hossain and Mahmudur Rahman Manna did not suggest Khaleda Zia to withdraw hartal and blockade programmes during the ongoing SSC examinations although they often talk about high principles.
Referring to the signature forgery of the BNP and the false telephone conversation between BNP chief Khaleda Zia and BJP chief Amit Shah, Hasina said now their cheating is clear to all though the BNP chief was trying to play ducks and drakes with the fate of the country’s people.
She said it would not be possible to change the fate of the country’s people with the interest-monger, corrupt and feet-sucking people as it is only the Awami League which could change the fate of the country’s people. “Those who have burned the people of Bangladesh to death would surely get punishment one day,” the Prime Minister said.
Alleging that all the activities of the BNP chief and the BNP-Jamaat alliance are to save Khaleda from trial as well as to deter the war crimes trial, the Prime Minister said the verdicts of the war criminals would be executed freeing the nation of stigma. “No one will be able to deter the development of Bangladesh as it will surely be ensured.”
The Prime Minister also called upon people, including her party leaders and workers and the conscious citizens, to help grab the criminals who are hurling petrol bombs, providing finance and committing subversive acts so that no one could burn people to death anymore. “Khaleda won’t be to escape the curse of the common people for her acts and its reality.”
Continuing her scathing attack on the BNP chief, Hasina said she did not visit her son and husband’s graveyard, but continued the blockade and hartal even during the Eid-e-Miladunnabi, Biswa Ijtema and SSC exams.
The Prime Minister said people these days are not accepting the hartal and blockade called by the BNP-led 20-party alliance. “She (Khaleda) has no shame,” Hasina said adding that Khaleda is trying to go on with her movement creating panic among people through burning common people to death.
Hasina accused Khaleda Zia of acting on behalf of the ISI agency.
AL leaders Amir Hossain Amu, Tofail Ahmed, Suranjit Sen Gupta, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, Begum Matia Chowdhury, AL general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam, journalist and columnist Rahat Khan, Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, MA Aziz, AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Ahmad Hossain, Adv Qumrul Islam and Aminul Islam, among others, spoke at the discussion meeting.
