See difference between today and 15 years ago: PM

Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has urged the persons who criticize the government in various situations to see the difference between today and 15 years ago.

The premier made the remarks while replying to a series of question at a media briefing about the outcome of her recent six-day official visit to Thailand at her official Ganabhaban residence on Thursday.

“Our strength is the people and I have belief in them. Awami League will remain in power if people want as we have been elected by the people's mandate,” she said.

She also said the Awami League wasn't formed from the pocket of any military dictator who grabbed state power illegally, rather, the party was formed to realise the demand of the people.

“It is proved that the Awami League works for the people’s welfare. So, we have been able to overcome all the hurdles and became victorious with the help of the people,” she said.

She called upon the journalist community to take pen against the vested quarters' ill-move to influence people not to exercise voting rights as voting rights are people's constitutional and civic rights.

Sheikh Hasina said the people who are now crying for democracy and people’s voting rights, they have forgotten that they had stolen the voting rights of the people.

The premier said some political parties boycotted elections as they had no strength to take part in the elections.

Without mentioning the name of any political party, Sheikh Hasina, also Awami League President, said the party have no leader whom they can depend on or place before the people as both of their top leaders are accused of various criminal cases.

The people have no confidence in their leadership, she said, adding that so, they have boycotted the election.

In replying to another question, Sheikh Hasina said the leftist parties turned into ninety degree angle and they also wanted to oust the Awami League from power.

The prime minister said her party will celebrate its 75th year anniversary massively when it will invite some foreign political parties considering the current internal aspects to take part in the gala celebration.
 
She also criticised those who are always busy with spreading propaganda against the advancement of the country at home and abroad.

She went on saying that the propaganda has definitely influenced the foreigners and some local people as well.

But, the general people never pay heed to them as they have faith in Awami League, for which, they have voted the party to power time and again, she said.

“The massive development of the country occurred as the Awami League is in power. Bangladesh is now moving on the global stage with due dignity as Awami League is in power,”" the premier said.

Some people don't see the development of the country as they have different formula of development, she said.

“But, for me, the development of the country is to ensure food, treatment, accommodation and education for the rural people and ensure them a better and improved life," she said.

Replying to another question about the persisting heatwave that across the country, Sheikh Hasina called upon all to be cautious and drink enough water and stay under sheds.

The premier said the Awami League and its front and associate bodies have been distributing water, caps, umbrellas and salines among the people across the country.

The Prime Minister called upon the countrymen, particularly her partymen, to plant trees in huge numbers to protect Bangladesh from the wrath of the natural calamities.

Replying to a query, she said it is very unfortunate that the developed countries that were largely liable for climate change, do not comply with their promises of giving 100 billion US dollar to the climate fund.

The Prime Minister called upon the countries involved in arms race to use the money expensed in producing arms and wars for survival of the adverse impact of climate and for welfare of mankind.

Describing her Thailand visit as a success and milestone for bilateral relations, trade and business, Sheikh Hasina said, “A new door of mutual cooperation has opened with my Thailand visit.”

The Prime Minister said he called upon her Thai counterpart to invest in Bangladesh's high-tech parks and special economic zones being set up across the country.

She said she also called for Thai investment in the 80-mile long Cox's Bazar Beach as that country has expertise in tourism.
The premier said, “The Prime Minister of Thailand promised to me that he would extend whatever cooperation needed to repatriate the Rohingyas to Myanmar.”

The Prime Minister said she always attaches importance to enhancing cooperation and exchanging experiences and expertise especially among the regional countries for mutual socio-economic advancement.

She said Bangladesh has been working to enhance relationship with the countries of south, southeast, East Europe, Middle East, Gulf and African countries to diversify cooperation on trade and business which required for socio-economic advancement.

The Prime Minister criticised the US police action on the students and teachers agitating against the Israeli aggression on Gaza in Palestine.