Firm stance against drugs: PM

FT ONLINE

Expressing her government's firm stance against drugs, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said it would completely eradicate the menace from the country as it did in the case of militancy.

“We have contained militancy. Now, we have taken an initiative to save the country from the menace of drugs. You have noticed that drives against drugs have already started,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina said the government had engaged law enforcement and intelligence agencies, especially the Rapid Action Battalion, to take stern actions against drug abuse.

“And they're taking tough actions,” she added.

The prime minister further said the government was providing all sorts of facilities so children could pursue proper education in order to become worthy citizens.

“We want to see peace and prosperity in every house. Why would our children take the wrong path? Drugs destroy the entire family when only one member becomes an addict,” she said.

The premier made the statement when newly elected Khulna City Corporation Mayor Talukder Abdul Khaleque called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban for a courtesy visit after winning the city polls on May 15.

Talking about Khaleque's victory in the Khulna city polls, she said voters had cast their votes in favour of Awami League as they thought only her party could change their fate through development.

"They have realized that development activities get momentum when Awami League comes to power and those get stalled whenever BNP is in power."

The prime minister said Awami League was the party of the general people that was founded by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and not by someone who had grabbed power illegally.

She expressed her firm resolve to build a country free of poverty and hunger through united efforts as dreamt by Bangabandhu.

Hasina, also the ruling party chief, urged Awami League leaders and activists to remain united in the coming days to further strengthen the party.

"If you remain united, it's possible to achieve anything for the country. We have proved this through the Khulna City Corporation election," she added.

Coming down hard on BNP, she said they made their own fortune resorting to terrorism, militancy, money-laundering and corruption while in power.

The prime minister also said BNP had rigged votes in the February 15, 1996 election, and Magura and Dhaka 10 by-elections. "BNP in power means disaster," she said.

She said the country had turned into a developing one under her party’s tenure. "Bangladesh has launched its own satellite into the orbit which will benefit the country's people.”

Thanking the residents of Khulna city for electing Khaleque as their mayor, Hasina said the government was working to develop the entire southern region, including Khulna, Jashore, Barishal and Mongla Port.

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, State Minister for Information Tarana Halim and MP Sheikh Helal Uddin were, among others, present.