‘Democracy’ on BNP’s lips unsuitable: Hasina

Awami League president and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today described BNP as a militant and terrorist political party and said words of democracy on the lips of its leaders are unsuitable.

“The word of democracy on the lips of BNP chief is indecorous. It is a terrorist and militant party,” Hasina said citing references of BNP’s atrocities before 2014 election.

Holding BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia responsible for killing people in arson attacks during 2014, Hasina said the people of Bangladesh will ensure trial of BNP leaders in people’s court.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, addressing a rally marking Bangabandhu’s homecoming day at Suhrawardy Udyan, said a deep-rooted conspiracy was hatched after killing Sheikh Mujib.

A procession of Awami League activists, supporters and leaders on their way to Suhrawardy uddyan to join the rally on Tuesday, January 10, 2017. Photo: Prabir Das

“There is no room for militancy and terrorism in the country. To build resistance is a must so that no one is derailed. Emergence of extremism with misinterpretation of religion will not be tolerated,” she said.

She called upon people from all walks of life to forge a resistance against militancy and terrorism.

Hasina pulls up Khaleda

Referring to the Zia Orphanage graft case, Hasina said the BNP chief has embezzled orphan’s money.

“You appear before the court one day and then avoid going for 10 more days. What does it mean? It indicates thieves are always afraid of police,” she said.

Hasina also criticised BNP as it knotted ties with Jamaat-e-Islami and said the party has materialised a terror state hindering the country’s peace, progress and development.   

“How the party could have made war criminals a minister of the country?” she raised a question.

Claiming that the country’s overall development was halted after the assassination of Bangabandhu, Hasina said a vested quarter grabbed the state power illegally and freed all war criminals.

Pulling reference to the standards Bangabandhu introduced in the post-independence Bangladesh, Hasina said her government is continuing work for the people as a worthy successor to the father of the nation.

She highlighted her government’s success in the fields of reducing poverty, increasing economic growth, education and raising the stature of Bangladesh in the international arena among other things.

The rally began around 2:30pm in the capital’s Suhrawardy Udyan in attendance of hundreds of thousands of supporters, activists and leaders of the ruling party.