HPM Sheikh Hasina for people's active role to uproot militancy

"Militant activities will cause damage to economy, trade and business and endanger the everyday life of the people," she said adding that it's a conspiracy of a quarter to derail Bangladesh from its long term development perspectives.

The prime minister was speaking in a video conference with administrative officials, teachers, Imams, members of the law enforcing agencies, local representatives, journalists, professionals and social workers of 32 districts of Dhaka, Mymensingh, Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions as part of her initiative to create awareness among the people against militancy from her Gonobhaban residence.

Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid and Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan were present during the video conference moderated by PM's principal secretary Abul Kalam Azad.

"We want to build a peaceful Bangladesh where terrorists and militants would have no place," the Prime Minister said adding that united efforts are important to root out the evil forces.

Sheikh Hasina said a section of boys of well-off families are being misguided and turned into religious fanatics. "We have to find out those who are behind motivating the youth and why. At the same time, initiatives should be taken so that the youth abandon the destructive path," she said.

The Prime Minister said someone who goes to kill people instead of going to Eid Jamaat or to Tarabi prayers in the holy month of Ramadan can never be a Muslim. "By doing this, they are in fact maligning Islam before the global community. I cannot understand how they claim to be Muslims?" she asked

Sheikh Hasina also urged the countrymen to remain alert against the design of the evil forces to malign Islam saying her government would not allow sprouting of militancy in Bangladesh.

The Prime Minister said many quarters are envious of the Bangladesh's ongoing development. It also might be one of the reasons of militants' attack to frustrate the country's progress, she said.

Pointing out two recent militants' attacks in Gulshan and Sholakia, the prime minister said Islam doesn't support any barbaric act like that. It's their attempt to malign Islam, which always speaks of peace and fraternity.

Urging all to work together against the evil forces, the prime minister said everyone from respective position has to work for establishing peace in the society.

The Prime Minister said people of Bangladesh are pious. But they are not fanatics. So, how a boy educated in English medium can be turned into a bigot, she asked urging the parents and guardians to take care of their children.

Laying importance on fighting against militancy in a coordinated manner, the prime minister called for constituting committee in every area to find out militants and missing boys and foil any organized threat posed by militants.

As local leaders informed the Prime Minister of the steps taken against the militants, she thanked them saying every political party that believes in the spirit of war of liberation should work together.

Sheikh Hasina said, "We have to work together to uphold the secular spirit and allow people of every religion to live in harmony and take forward the country towards peace and prosperity."

The Prime Minister urged local people to remain careful about the safety and security of the foreigners working in various development projects in their areas.

Tomorrow the Prime Minister will talk with administrative officials, teachers, Imams, members of the law enforcing agencies, local representatives, journalists, professionals and social workers of 32 districts of Chittagong, Sylhet, Khulna and Barisal divisions through video conference on the same issue.