Stay alert, they are conspiring

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged all to remain alert as anti-liberation forces along with their companions were still conspiring against Bangladesh taking assistance from abroad.

"War criminals, defeated forces, the August 15 killers and their children are still conspiring against Bangladesh. They're plotting against the country," she said.

The premier was addressing a programme, organised by Chhatra League at the city's Krishibid Institution, Bangladesh, marking the National Mourning Day.

She joined the event virtually from the Gono Bhaban.

Hasina said the evil forces are pampered by some international forces which had acted against Bangladesh's Liberation War. "The nation must remain alert to it."

Talking about Ziaur Rahman and his involvement in the Liberation War, Hasina said there is no instance that Zia fired a single shot at the Pakistani forces.

"No one can prove that," she said.

The PM mentioned that Mustaq, Rashid and Farooq during their interviews with the BBC admitted that Ziaur Rahman had always been with them. "Zia was the source of all power [for them]; he betrayed."

Hasina said she sometimes wonders how these people, who had always visited Bangabandhu's house for various purposes, including personal matters, could killthe Father of the Nation. "How could they do that!"

She said the defeated forces took their revenge with the August 15 carnage and distorted the history of Bangladesh, its struggle for liberation and independence.

Hasina, the chief patron of Chhatra League, asked its leaders and activists to work for the country being imbued with patriotism and follow the ideals of the Father of the Nation.

Awami League presidium members Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Abdur Rahman, BCL President Al Nahean Khan Joy and General Secretary Lekhak Bhattacharjee also spoke at the programme.