No destructive activity to be tolerated: PM

Mentioning that the government always welcomes any peaceful democratic movement, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said it will not tolerate any destructive activity aimed at realising illogical demands.

“Awami League is a democratic political party. We’re respectable to the Constitution. We believe in the rule of law. We believe that people’s mandate is the only way to bring any change in power. We welcome any peaceful democratic movement. But, we won’t tolerate any destructive activity aimed at materialising illogical demands,” she said.

The Prime Minister made the statement while addressing the nation marking the first anniversary of her current government formed through the December 30, 2018 general election.

State-owned Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television simultaneously broadcast her address from 7:30pm. Private television channels and radio stations also aired the Prime Minister’s speech.

Sheikh Hasina formed the government for the third consecutive term following her party Awami League’s landslide victory in the 11th parliamentary election. The new cabinet was formed on January 7, 2019.

Arson Terrorism

In the past, the people of the country saw arson terrorism and killing people in arson attacks by BNP-Jamaat in the name of movement. “The recurrence of those destructive activities won’t be allowed on Bangladesh’s soil again,” she warned.

Sheikh Hasina, also the chief of the ruling Awami League, in her about 30-minute speech called upon corrupt people to correct themselves. “I work for the general people, for the sake of people’s welfare. I won’t hesitate to take any step.”

Anti-Corruption Drive

Hasina said the ongoing drive against corrupt elements will continue. “I want to warn again—whoever the corrupt, whatever strong they are, they won’t be spared.”
 
The Prime Minister called upon the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to bring those involved in making illegal wealth to book whoever that person is. “It has to be ensured that the rights of the common people cannot be snatched by anyone,” she said.

Hasina said the participation of people is important to check corruption. This menace will automatically be eliminated if people become aware.

The Prime Minister also said the drive against militancy, terrorism and drugs will continue. “We want to establish a peaceful society, where there’ll be no envy and hatred. People from all religions and caste and creed will live in peace. All are performing their religious rituals with due dignity,” she said.

Parliament & Govt

Hasina said the government has taken all sorts of initiative to make Parliament effective while participation from the ruling and opposition parties makes it lively.

She said Awami League has been in charge to run the government since 2009 in a row. “We’re running the government adopting a specific goal. And that’s the economic freedom of the common people, improving their lifestyle, and establishing everyone's basic rights.”

The Prime Minister said the government is always cautious about what it wants to do for the people of the country and what it has done for them.  “You’ll also evaluate. But we don’t believe in crunchy pledges. We only speak about our capability to implement.”