Government making effort to resume Dhaka-New York flight: PM Sheikh Hasina

She said Bangladesh Biman now has sufficient modern Boeing aircraft. But there are some legal complexities for resuming the flight operations from JFK International Airport in New York. Dhaka-New York flight of Bangladesh Biman would begin once the problems are resolved, she said.

The Prime Minister, now in New York to attend the UN General Assembly (UNGA) meeting, said this while addressing a reception accorded to her by expatriate Awami League US chapter at Hotel Hilton here on Sunday.

Sheikh Hasina, also the President of Bangladesh Awami League, urged everybody to make the country's hard earned independence fruitful. She said Bangladesh wants to stand on its own strength. She urged the expatriate Bangladeshis living in USA to uphold the country's image everywhere, every time.

She said Bangladesh would have no place for the terrorists and militancy. Those people who have no contribution to earning independence and democracy would not also have any sympathy for the country. They are out to destroy the country, she said.

US Congress Woman from 9th District of Brooklyn Evet Clark, central leaders of Awami League Dr Dipu Moni, Dr Hasan Mahmud, Abdus Sobhan Golap and general secretary of Awami League US chapter Sajjad Hossain, organizing secretary Chandan Dutta and leaders of various states spoke on the occasion. President of Awami League US chapter Suddiqur Rahman was in the chair.

Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, PM's Advisor Moshiur Rahman, Expatriates' Welfare Minster Nurul Islam, State Ministers Meher Afroz Chumki and Shariar Alam were present.

Speakers congratulated the Prime Minister for winning the UN highest accolade on environment 'Champions of the Earth" and 'ICT Sustainable Development Award' from the International Telecommunication Union this year.

US Congresswoman Evet Clark in her speech while pointing out the Prime Minister's winning of the UNEP's "Champions of the Earth" award said, "Sheikh Hasina is not only your pride, she also is our pride. She is the champion of all of us. Receiving the UNEP award by her is no surprise to me. It was her vision and action to pick her for the very prestigious award," she said adding that "The Prime Minister must have your support."

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also told the expatriates that Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign country must have special goal for development. Bangladesh would prosper on this goal. She said Bangladesh was not born to survive with the support of others.

About her government relentless efforts to resolve the power crisis, the Prime Minister said her government is committed to provide electricity to every house. No house in any part of the country would remain without electricity, she said.

Sheikh Hasina said BNP and Jamaat have no sympathy for the nation. During 2015 anti-government movement they had adopted 'scorched earth' policy like Pakistani rulers to eliminate the Bengali nation. BNP-Jamaat are out to destroy the very existence of the country, she said.

Pointing out the destructive politics of BNP-Jamaat, the Prime Minister said they have burnt people alive, gutted buses and injured thousands by hurling petrol bombs and setting fire. Thousands of people were affected by the political vengeance. No human being can carry out such type of atrocity that BNP-Jamaat resorted to at the time of general election last year, she said.

Sheikh Hasina said BNP-Jamaat tried to foil 2014 election by carrying out vandalism. No people with human values can do this. BNP-Jamaat set fire on those vehicles which were mostly used as transports by poor and middle-incoming families. Being failed to foil the election, they unleash their violence on innocent people, presiding officers, law enforcing agencies and nearly 600 school buildings.

Sheikh Hasina said like the Pakistanis Khaleda Zia wants to destroy the country. BNP doesn't want the country to be self-sufficient in food production, girls go to school, women get healthcare service and youths get job.

BNP during their tenure from 2001 to 2006 have pushed the country backward in every sector and social and economic indicator.

Sheikh Hasina recalled the role of the expatriates during the last caretaker regime to compel the government to allow her to come back to home from Britain. Expatriates are playing very important role in every nation building activities, she said.

Pointing out the country's success in various sectors and settlement of disputes with neighbours the Prime Minister said it's a rare example of all Indian political parties to be united for the passage of the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) in Indian parliament.

The Prime Minister said the Bengali people earned victory through War of Liberation. But their dignity derailed after brutal killing of the Father of the Nation on August 15, 2015. Ziaur Rahman captured the state power violating the constitution and imposing martial law. He left no stone unturned to derail the honour of the country at home and abroad, the Prime Minister said.

Sheikh Hasina said every people expect justice of any killing. But difference was only with me. The killers of Bangabandhu were given impunity through incorporation of the indemnity ordinance to the constitution for 21 years.

The killers were awarded by giving them with jobs in foreign missions and for many years we the two sisters could not return home. People of Bangladesh, who deeply had loved Bangabandhu, shed tears silently seeing the audacity of the killers.

About the execution of the verdict against the killers of Bangabandhu, she said two killers are hiding in the USA and one in Canada, rest of the others probably remain in shelter in any Pakistan house. Available culprits were given punishment.

Those who carried out violence against women, gutted public house and collaborated with Pakistani forces in 1971 were brought to justice by the government. But getting the pardon from Ziaur Rahman they started getting state protection and support.