Anti-liberation forces behind ‘prevent boat’ campaign: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today came down heavily upon those involved in the “prevent boat” campaign ahead of the upcoming general elections at the end of this year.

She also questioned whether they want to install anti-liberation forces and war criminals in power.

“There is a quarter in the country who doesn’t see any development and some are saying that the boat will have to be resisted,” the PM said.

“Those who want to thwart the boat want to bring the Rajakars and war criminals in power,” she said while addressing a grand reception programme at the historic Suhrawadhy Udyan in Dhaka this afternoon.

The premier also said fulfilling the dream of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is her only aim.

“Building a prosperous Golden Bangladesh, which was the dream of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is my only aim,” the PM said.

The country lost its beacon of hope at the time when Bangabandhu, who was working on rebuilding the nation after independence, was brutally assassinated on the dark night of August 15, 1975, followed by the killing of the four national leaders on November 3, the PM said.

“I have dedicated my life for the people of Bangladesh and to fulfill Bangabandhu’s dream,” she said.

“I am doing politics for the exploited and deprived people of Bangladesh, and I am always determined to change the lives of the people,” the PM said, adding that she would never be intimidated even if her life is at stake.

PM Hasina said she only wants to build a hunger and poverty free society envisioned by the Father of the Nation.

Expressing her gratitude to the people for bringing Awami League to power, the premier said “Bangladesh is now moving ahead on the highway of development”.

Bangladesh has graduated from the status of least developing country (LDC) with a growth rate of around 7.7 per cent, she said.

With the launching of Bangabandhu-1, the first ever satellite of the country, Bangladesh has now conquered the space, the premier also said.

She also highlighted other development projects and achievments of the present government in different sectors including education, health, agriculture, housing, and social safety net.

The upcoming general elections will be held under the present government in a free, fair and credible manner, PM Hasina added.

Ruling Awami League organised the programme for according a reception to PM Hasina for her achievements in various sectors.

Earlier, the PM reached the venue around 3:30pm amid cheers from activists and supporters of ruling Awami League who gathered there.

Activists carrying colorful banners and playing drums and trumpets were seen walking through the main thoroughfares of the capital on their way to the venue.

The venue, Suhrawardy Udyan, was decorated with great fanfare. A huge L-shaped podium was set at the venue, while the entire Suhrawardy Udyan was illuminated. A big gate was erected at the entry point to the venue in front of Matsya Bhaban while 40 other colorful gates were erected from the city's Matsya Bhaban to Shishu Park area.

City streets from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's official residence Gono Bhaban to the reception venue Suhrawardy Udyan were also decorated with banners and festoons.

A 30-minute presentation was shown on history and heritage of Bangalee nation.

A cultural programme was also arranged with the participation of the noted singers in the country at noon before the function formally began at 3:00pm.

The reception was accorded for attaining the eligibility to graduate to a developing nation, launching Bangabandhu Satellite-1, Sheikh Hasina's achievement of Global Women's Leadership Award from US-based NGO Global Summit of Women, and her receiving DLitt from Kazi Nazrul University of India.

AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader read out the felicitation message at the programme and handed it over to the PM.

Centring the programme, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) issued directive over restricted vehicular movement around Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital.

Bangabandhu-1 satellite was launched into its orbital slot in space on May 12 this year.

Meanwhile, on March 16, 2018, Bangladesh became eligible for graduation from LDC. Bangladesh has taken its status to a new height.

The LDC category was introduced by the United Nations in 1971 when there were 25 LDCs. In 2018, the number has increased to 47. So far, only five countries were able to graduate from the LDC group, including Botswana, Cape Verde, Maldives, Samoa and Equatorial Guinea.