Bomb attacks can't stop progress: PM

Noting that the recent bomb attack on a Tazia procession was aimed at tarnishing Bangladesh's image, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the country's progress cannot be stalled by carrying out such attacks.

She was addressing the foundation stone-laying ceremony of Padma Jashaldia Water Treatment Plant (phase-1) at a city hotel.

"Bangladesh is moving ahead and it'll do so. Let me say one thing, the march forward of Bangladesh can't be stopped by hurling two bombs or five eggs... those who're thinking of it are making a mistake," she said.

At least one person was killed and about 100 others were injured in several bomb blasts in front of Hussaini Dalan in Old Dhaka early on October 24. The bombs went off when members of the Shia community were gathering there to bring out a traditional Tazia procession on the occasion of holy Ashura.

Hasina said the motive behind the bomb attack was to taint Bangladesh's image at a time when the country has become a role model of development in the world.

About the prevailing religious harmony in Bangladesh, she said the country's people believe in the slogan -- Religion is personal, festival is for everyone.

The man who was killed and those who were injured were Sunnis; none of them was from the Shia community, added the premier.

She said all programmes and festivals in Bangladesh are observed by the people of all religions. "Then why did this happen? Who committed it? It's gradually becoming clear to people who actually committed it."

The PM said there'll be no room for militancy and terrorism in Bangladesh.

Indicating at the BNP-Jamaat alliance's alleged involvement in the recent killings of two foreigners, Hasina said the two parties had tried to oust the present government by burning people to death in the name of hartal and blockade, but failed.

She called upon the city dwellers to be more judicious in using civic amenities, including water, electricity and gas.

The PM stressed the need for increasing the use of surface water to reduce dependency on underground water gradually.

Later, the premier laid the foundation stone of the project through videoconferencing. The estimated cost of the project is Tk 3,508 crore, including the loan assistance of Tk 2,413 crore from Chinese Exim Bank.

Local Government and Cooperatives Minister Mosharraf Hossain presided over the function, while Dhaka Wasa Managing Director Taksem A Khan delivered the welcome address.

Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Ma Mingqiang; Luo Yan, chairman and president of China CAMC Engineering Co Ltd; and Local Government Division Secretary Abdul Malek were present, among others.