Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today blasted BNP-Jamaat clique for not observing the `Genocide Day` commemorating Pakistan`s brutality on Bangalees in 1971.
"BNP-Jamaat clique`s refusal to abide by the parliamentary and cabinet decision to observe Genocide Day on March 25 made it clear that they don`t believe in country`s independence and still consider the perpetrators of the genocide as their near and dear ones," she said.
The Prime Minister was addressing a discussion organized by Bangladesh Awami League (AL) central committee marking 47th Independence and National Day at Bangladesh Krishibid Institution auditorium here.
The nation observed the `Genocide Day` on March 25 this year for the first time commemorating the atrocities of Pakistani Army on the unarmed Bengalees in 1971.
The parliament unanimously adopted a resolution on March 11, 2017 to observe the day which was subsequently endorsed by the cabinet. The government issued a gazette notification in this regard on March 21.
"Through their gesture BNP-Jamaat made it clear that they are not with the people of Bangladesh who suffered for nine months of Liberation War, they are rather with the Razakar, Al-badr, Al-shams and occupation force," Sheikh Hasina said adding that "their character is now crystal clear".
She said the BNP-Jamaat rewarded the killers of Bangabandhu, made the war criminals members of their cabinet. So they don`t believe in the country`s independence and don`t want welfare of the people.
Sheikh Hasina, also the president of Bangladesh Awami League, presided over the function while senior presidium member of Awami League Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, Advisory Council member Tofail Ahmed, presidium members Begum Matia Choudhury, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, MP, and Housing and Public Works Minister Engineer Mosharraf Hossain took part in the discussion.
Joint secretary of the party Mahbubul Alam Hanif, MP, Chairman of Gazipur District Council Akhteruzzaman, women leader Simmi Ahmed, general secretary of Dhaka North City unit Sadek Khan also spoke at the meeting conducted by party`s Publicity Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud and Deputy Publicity Secretary Aminul Islam.
Reiterating her government`s firm stance against terrorism and militancy, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh would never have room for militants and terrorists. Ongoing drive against the evil forces would continue, she said.
"It`s very unfortunate that people are being killed in the name of Islam, which speaks of peace," Sheikh Hasina said adding that their activities are maligning Islam in the global arena and made the life of Muslims miserable."
She urged the people, particularly the guardians and teachers, to keep close surveillance on their kids to keep them away from radicalization. Bangladesh is one of the few countries in the present world which is progressing fast with economic prosperity. "So it cannot tolerate any such activities," she added.
Source: BSS