Bangladesh has been able to maintain an “independent and neutral” foreign policy due to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, an economist turned politician, Ashikur Rahman Shanto, has said.
Ashikur Rahman Shanto, an executive member of Bangladesh Awami Jubo League and senior economist at the Policy Research Institute (PRI), made these comments at a peace meeting in Bhola on Thursday.
Borhanuddin and Doulatkhan upazila's Awami Jubo League organized the peace meeting to protest against the BNP's conspiracy against the country.
"No matter how much the new Razakars conspire against Bangladesh, we will safeguard Bangladesh's sovereignty and independent foreign policy. We are ready to lay down our lives for that," he said.
The Razakars were those who collaborated with Pakistan in 1971 against the formation of Bangladesh.
Referring to the BNP-Jamaat-led alliance's violent acts, arson attacks prior to the 2014 elections, and a series of bombings and acts of terrorism during the 2001-2006 regime, he said peace words do not suit the opposition BNP.
"It is the Awami League that has protected the democracy and voting rights of the people of Bangladesh," he said while providing historical context.
Mostaq Ahmed Shahin, the local Jubo League leader, presided over the meeting.