Govt to go tough on extortion, tender crime

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday reiterated her government's tough stand against tender manipulation and extortion.
She advised the leaders and activists of the ruling Awami League's associate organisation Jubo League to be self-reliant using their own merit and strength.
"We don't want to hear any incident of tender manipulation and extortion," said Hasina, also the AL chief.
The PM was addressing a discussion arranged on the occasion of the 37th founding anniversary of Jubo League at the city's Bangabandhu International Convention Centre yesterday evening.
Hasina told the Jubo Leaguers that the government will help the youths in becoming self-reliant in life. "A youth can do business taking loan from the country's Employment Bank," she said.
Hasina told her youth workers to uphold the dignity of the associate body as it has played historic role in the country's transition to democracy and strengthening the foundation of democracy.
"Stand by every destitute. We want to change Bangladesh," she said.
She criticised the previous BNP-Jamaat government for widespread corruption.
"If anyone thinks that now is the time for making wealth, it would be a big mistake. The people have voted us to power. Now it is our supreme duty to improve people's living standard removing their every socioeconomic problem."
She alleged that BNP-Jamaat alliance with their huge illegal money wanted to grab the state power once again.
Hasina said the anti-democracy force has started hatching conspiracy against the country. In this context, she mentioned the February 25-26 BDR carnage.
The PM was also highly critical of the main opposition party for not joining the parliament sessions.
"Through such activities which conspiracy are they designing?" Hasina questioned.
"In fact, the opposition party does not want development of democracy in the country," she said.
With acting chairman of Jubo League Omar Faruk Chowdhury in the chair, the discussion meeting was also addressed by former Jubo League chairman and State Minister for LGRD Jahangir Kabir Nanak MP and Jubo League General Secretary Mirza Azam MP.