Won’t tolerate arson, terrorism before polls: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reiterated that no mercy will be shown to those who will carry out arson, terrorism, and atrocities ahead of the general election.

"There will be no scope for mercy if arson or similar incidents or attacks take place before the election in the name of a movement," she told a reception accorded to her at the Methodist Central Hall in Westminster, London.

Hasina said the BNP-Jamaat alliance had carried out mayhem across the country by burning people to death, destroying public and private properties by hurling petrol bombs at buses, trains, and launches in 2013 and 2014 in the name of a movement.

Many people, including women, suffered critical burns in the arson attacks and they are leading life in inhuman conditions, she added.

"We have no objection to your [BNP's] movement. You had earlier killed 29 police personnel. If any such attempt is made on the lives of the people, no mercy will be shown," she said.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and AL Publicity and Publication Affairs Secretary Abdus Sobhan Golap were present.

UK AL President Sultan Sharif presided over the function, moderated by its General Secretary Syed Sajedur Rahman Faruk.

'DEMOCRACY MUST PREVAIL'

Reiterating her commitment to hold a free and fair general election, Hasina has said democracy must continue in Bangladesh at any cost.

The PM said this when a delegation of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Bangladesh paid a courtesy call on her at the Taj Hotel in London yesterday.

Rushanara Ali MP, chair of the APPG on Bangladesh and on Rohingyas, and also the shadow minister for investment and small business, led the delegation to the meeting.