Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged people to reject the BNP-Jamaat forces, alleging that they had patronised militancy, indulged in corruption and now were trying to save war criminals.
"The people of Bangladesh do not want to see them [BNP-Jamaat] in power again. They made crores of taka through corruption, abetted militancy and terrorism and are now trying to save the war criminals," she said.
She also urged people to vote for her party, the Awami League (AL), at the next general election, if they [people] are happy with the development activities of the government.
The prime minister was addressing a rally in Manikganj organised for the first time by the AL district unit after the December 2008 elections.
Citing the present government's activities, AL President Hasina said, "If you [the people] are not satisfied with this, the choice is yours. But if you think that what we have done should continue then vote for us again. We will continue to serve you."
She urged people to be united and completely reject the "BNP-Jamaat wrong-doers". "I seek your assistance in building a developed country.
Hasina alleged that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia had legalised black money and made a huge fortune by indulging in corruption.
"She [Khaleda] even looted money from orphanage and the trial for this will definitely take place in Bangladesh," vowed Hasina, adding that there was no way they could get away with such acts of corruption.
The PM also pledged to try the war criminals, including Ghulam Azam, who had committed murder, loot, rape and arson during the Liberation War, even though the BNP chairperson was determined to save them.
Referring to Khaleda's recent speech, Hasina said the opposition leader had said that she would shut down all power plants and cancel all that the present government has done. But by doing so, she would push the country back into the dark ages, said the PM.
"We have increased food production, rooted out crime, and eradicated terrorism. Will she cancel all those? Do the people want bomb blasts, criminal activities, looting and corruption in the country again? Do they want to stay in the dark?" said Hasina.
She urged the people to remember the situation that had prevailed during the BNP-Jamaat alliance rule. She cited the bomb blasts in 500 places across the country, torture on AL and Chhatra League leaders and activists, killing of 16 journalists and injuries caused to hundreds of people.
"We kept the price of rice at Tk 10 a kg during our last tenure but the BNP-Jamaat government hiked it to Tk 40. We have brought this price down to Tk 23.
The prices of commodities are now within people's reach and law and order is also under control, the PM claimed.
Hasina alleged that the BNP chairperson had rigged every election she had taken part in. "No one could cast his/her vote or go to the poll centres peacefully. But all the elections held under this government have been free, fair and peaceful," she said.
The voting system has now been digitalised. There is no scope for rigging and results come out soon after the vote, she said, adding that people could now vote for whoever they want to and decide their government.
She also asked children to concentrate in studies, listen to their parents and teachers and love the country.
"One day good leadership will come from these students [present in the rally]. Some will be prime ministers like me," she said amid cheering and applause from school children.
Hundreds of people joined yesterday's rally at the Manikganj Govt High School ground from early afternoon. Unprecedented security measures had been taken on the occasion of the gathering.
Defence force personnel with binoculars were seen on the roofs of all structures adjacent to the venue. Special security forces with rifles were seen patrolling through and around the rally.
The premier said she had lost almost her entire family, including her minor brother Sheikh Russell, on August 15, 1975. "But I returned to the people to make them smile, a reason for which our great leader, the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman struggled," she said.
Seeking the blessings of all and referring to Bangabandhu's sacrifice for the people's welfare, Hasina pledged that if necessary, she would also sacrifice herself for the economic freedom of the country and making the people happy.
AL General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam, Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan, lawmaker Zahid Malek Swapan, and party leader Dewan Shafiul Arefin Tutul, among others, also spoke at the rally chaired by district AL president Golam Mohiuddin.