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PM questions objective of “prevent boat” campaign
(UPDATES with details)
DHAKA, July 21, 2018 (BSS) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today blasted
perpetrators of “prevent boat” campaign ahead of the elections in the
yearend, questioning whether they want to install anti-liberation forces and
war criminals in power.
“There is a quarter in the country who doesn’t see any development and
some are saying that the boat will have to be resisted. My question is —
those who want to thwart the boat want to bring the Rajakars and war
criminals in power,” she told a grand mass reception at the historic
Suhrawadhy Udyan here this afternoon.
Sheikh Hasina, also the Awami League president, said the “oust boat”
campaign does not suit those who believe in democracy and independence but
“this word matches in the mouth of those who led a (luxurious) life and grew
up by eating the leftovers of the military rulers”.
The premier said the people of the country got the independence and rights
to speak in mother tongue by casting vote for the boat, the Awami League’s
symbol.
“Bangladesh has become self-reliant in food, entered the nuclear club,
launched the first-ever satellite and brought down poverty to 22 percent as
the people gave mandate in favour of the boat,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said flood may come in the middle of Bengali calendar months
of “Sraban and Bhadra” when the politicians at least would need to get
onboard the boats.
“Won’t they get on board the boat at that time … they will require the
boat at least to distribute relief,” she said.
Awami League accorded her the reception for Bangladesh’s graduation to a
developing nation, launching Bangabandhu Satellite-I, her achievement of
Global Women’s Leadership Award and D. Litt from Kazi Nazrul University of
Asansole of India’s West Bengal.
Parliamentary Deputy Leader of and Awami League’s senior Presidium member
Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury presided over the function when party’s General
Secretary and Road Transport Minister Obaidul Quader read out a citation or
“obhinondon patra” congratulating the premier and party President on her
achievements and handed it over to her.
Senior leaders of the party were present on the dais.
Earlier on her arrival at the venue at 3:30 pm, the premier was greeted by
thousands of leaders and workers of Awami League and its associate bodies
waving hands and miniature flags of their respective organisations.
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