Awami League knows how to fulfill the demands of people: HPM Sheikh Hasina

"My party knows how to fulfill the demands of the people. People of the country were never deprived of by giving vote to Awami League," she said in a huge public meeting at Sylhet on Thursday.

The prime minister said, "You got independence after giving vote to 'boat' and the country is going ahead now because of your mandate to 'boat'. So never forget 'boat' in future."

Sylhet district unit of Awami League organized the public meeting marking the visit of the prime minister in the holy city.

President of Sylhet City AL Badruddin Ahmed Kamran presided over the meeting held at Alia Madrasa ground.

Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, Awami League advisory council member Suranjit Sengupta, Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid, state minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Chhatra League general secretary SM Zakir Hossain and central and local leaders of the party addressed the meeting.

The prime minister reiterated her government's firm stance against militancy and terrorism and said Bangladesh is not a place for militancy and terrorism. She urged people to remain alert so that none can radicalize their kids. Country's independence would be fruitful if peace prevails in the country, she said.

She restated her commitment to punish the culprits involved in 2014 and 2015 arson attacks and killing of innocent people saying cases were filed against the criminals connected with burning people alive. They will be showed no mercy and peace will be restored in public life, she said.

Sheikh Hasina said her party would not allow any quarter to play ducks and drakes in the name of politics. All criminals in connection with arson and petrol bomb attacks and killing of innocent people in 2014 and 2015 would be brought to book, she said.

Earlier, the prime minister inaugurated 10 new development projects and laid the foundation stone of 22 others. During her day-long visit to Sylhet, the prime minister joined the diamond jubilee function of Madan Mohan College in the city. She also offered ziarat at the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA).

Sheikh Hasina said Awami League is a party originating from the people of this country. The party under the leadership of Bangabandhu earned freedom for the people. So it's our duty to make the country hunger and poverty free, she said.

The prime minister said the country goes ahead when Awami League comes to power as the party inherits the spirit of independence. Usurpers come to power for looting and create militancy and terrorism, she said adding they would have no place on the soil of Bangladesh.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh is moving forward and it would continue to do so. "Inshallah, we would build Bangladesh as a developed and prosperous nation," she said. Sheikh Hasina said she knows the demands of the people in every area of the country.

The Prime Minister expressed her gratitude to the people of Sylhet for casting their votes in favour of Awami League candidates in 2014 general elections, saying country's pace of development remained as Awami League won the election.

She said everybody should work with the aim to reach the benefits of independence to the common people. She hoped that the present pace of progress of the country would continue and Bangladesh would stand in the comity of nations keeping its head high.

The prime minister said her government is working for improving the living standard of the people. She said Bangladesh now is regarded as a role model of development because of successful implementation of its development programmes over the years.

Sheikh Hasina said Awami League came to power in 2008 amidst severe global recession. Despite the economic hurdle, the party ruled the country successfully, established rule of law, combated terrorism and militancy, gave the people peace and stability and expedited economic growth.

Recalling the series of grenade attacks on leading Awami League leaders and foreign diplomats in Sylhet, the prime minister said BNP-Jamaat terrorists even didn't spared the holy shrines and public meetings.

"The BNP regime is marked by creation of Bangla Bhai, kingpin of terrorists, spread of corruption and playing with the fate of the people. On the other hand, the tenure of Awami League is graced with an atmosphere of peace, security and development," the prime minister said.

Pointing out her government move for trial of the war criminals, the prime minister said the trial was not initiated out of vengeance. Awami League doesn't believe in politics of killing. Awami League wants to deliver justice, she said adding trial of the war criminals would continue to make the country free from stigma.

About the local demand, the prime minister said the Awami League government made the Sylhet airport an international one introducing Dhaka-London direct air link. Immediate steps would be taken for carrying of oil from Padma Petroleum for refueling of the aircraft in Sylhet, she said.

The prime minster also announced construction of a medical university in Sylhet.

Photo: Saiful Islam Kallol