Prime Minister and Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina on Friday made a vow to build a happy, prosperous and Smart Bangladesh by changing the fate of its people.
"Let us make an oath on the Awami League's founding anniversary to build a happy, prosperous and Smart Bangladesh by changing the fate of the countrymen as envisaged by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman," she said after paying homage to the father of the nation on her party's 74th founding anniversary, by placing a wreath at his portrait at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum on Dhanmondi 32.
The premier urged the people as well as her party leaders and activists to remain alert about the BNP and Jamaat as they are out to destroy Bangladesh.
"The BNP and Jamaat do not believe in the independence of the country; they will destroy the country. So I urge you all to remain alert against the parties," she said.
Outlining the socio-economic development of the country, she said: "The fortune of the people is changed whenever the Awami League is in power."
The premier said the people voted the Awami League into power by giving their votes to its electoral symbol, boat, in the 2008, 2014 and 2018 elections, and the party has made massive developments in Bangladesh in the last 14 and a half years since 2009.
The literacy rate has increased, the mortality rate of mothers and children has decreased, and life expectancy has increased, she said.
She said the Awami League has made the country self-sufficient in food production, provided electricity and healthcare to every home, ensured socio-economic advancement at the grassroots level, turned the country into Digital Bangladesh, and ensured internet connection in rural areas.
"The country will be developed further if the Awami League stays in power. The Awami League will transform the country into Smart Bangladesh by 2041," she said.
Bangladesh has been playing a pivotal role in every sector, including agriculture, science and health, and achieved dignity on the world stage.
"The world that earlier showed sympathy to Bangladesh now honours it. This honour was achieved by the Awami League," she said.
She said Bangladesh has become a role model for development by constructing the Padma Bridge with its own funds.
The premier said the Awami League has been struggling for establishing people's rights since its inception on June 23, 1949.
"The Awami League is the only party that thinks of the welfare of the people," she said.