ZCZC
BSS-06
PM-AL-MEETING-3-LAST DHAKA
Noting that the AL formed the government in 1996 after crossing many hurdles, Sheikh Hasina said, “The people of the country have seen the first ray of hope with Awami League assumed office and first realized that the government is public servant.”
She added: “We have completed 11 consecutive years (in power). —we have earned people’s confidence and trust that they believe that development only happens whenever the Awami League is in power.”
The premier said the example which her government set in terms of carrying out development of the country is now appreciated not only in Bangladesh but also in the globe.
The development of Bangladesh, she said is befitting reply to the people who used to say Bangladesh would be a bottomless basket after achieving independence, adding, “They now cannot say that as today’s Bangladesh is a role model for development (for the word).”
Sheikh Hasina coming down heavily on the BNP-Jamaat government for doing nothing for the country and its people rather indulged in money laundering and corruption to make their own fortune calling them smarter than the AL, saying, “The Awami League has proved that only this party can make development of the country.”
In this context, the premier said that she had heard lots negative remarks about the AL after returning home and taking charge of the party as president in 1981 that her party was not modern and smart and there was no educated people so it could not do this and that.
“The people who came to power claiming them smart only utilized the power to loot (government exchequer), resorted to money laundering and corruption. Their smartness was limited to make money for their own. But, the people of the country could not get anything from them.”
She continued the AL has proved that they can take the country forward towards development and prosperity and it is the AL which first used the modern technology.
The premier described the year 2020 as very important one for Bangladesh as the country is set to start the birth centenary celebration of the Father of Nation from January 10 next as Bangabandhu returned the country on that day in 1972.
The premier said the birth centenary celebration of Bangabandhu will be held round the year at home and abroad by the government, the party, the people from different strata of lives, various social and cultural organizations, missions abroad and many countries.
“With celebration of the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation, we will turn Bangladesh, which was given by Bangabandhu, into a more developed and prosperous one alongside making the independence more meaningful,” she said.
The premier said they have been working to increase the honour Bangladesh is now enjoying due to huge development works carried out by her government as the people of the country can roam around the world keeping their head high.
BSS/AHJ/QC/1553 hrs