PM dedicates UN award to people

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday expressed her strong commitment to making Bangladesh a middle-income country by 2021 and a developed one by 2041.

Addressing a civic reception at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban for her winning the UN's Champions of the Earth award, the premier said she has committed herself to turning Bangladesh into a "Sonar Bangla" free from poverty and hunger.

She said, "I'm dedicating this award to the people of Bangladesh. They are the ones who actually deserve this award."

In an emotionally charged speech, Hasina, also the ruling Awami League president, recalled her return to the country back in 1981 and her fight to establish people's right.

"When I had returned home, I didn't get any love and affection from my father, mother and brothers. Instead, I got love from the people of this country. So, I am ready to make every sacrifice for them," she said.

Seeking cooperation from people, the premier also expressed her determination to uphold the spirit of the Liberation War for the eternal peace of Bangabandhu's soul.

The PM stressed the need for increasing food production to ensure a hunger-free country.

"We will have to ensure the basic rights like food, cloths and accommodation for the people."

But the premier also highlighted that the country must be protected from the impacts of climate change.

"It's natural that development comes with some impacts on the environment. So, we'll have to work towards development keeping the environment unharmed," Hasina said.

Since the PM received the award for her work on environment, the entire venue had a natural ambience with the stage decorated with floral motifs.

The cultural programme that preceded the premier's speech projected the country's culture and history. School and college students including autistic children performed at the programme.

The reception was organised by Dhaka City Corporations and presided over by Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Annisul Huq.

Upon the PM's arrival at the venue around 4.30pm, when the Tagore song "Jadi Tore Dak Shune Keu Na Ashe, Tobe Ekla Cholo Re" was being played, a boy and a girl jointly read out a citation in honour of her. Later, they handed it over to her.

The two mayors presented Hasina with a bonsai (a miniature tree) at the programme.

Thousands of people, irrespective of class and profession, enjoyed the colourful function by sitting under a huge canopy at the venue.

LGRD minister Khandker Mosharraf Hossain and Dhaka South City Corporation mayor Sayeed Khokon, among others, spoke at the programme.

Professor Emeritus Rafiqul Islam in his speech congratulated the premier for winning the UN's highest environmental accolade.

Cabinet members, PM's advisers, senior leaders of the ruling Awami League and its alliance partners too attended the function.

On September 27, the PM received the UN award in recognition of Bangladesh's far-reaching initiatives to address climate change.