Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, who is in Gopalganj on a two-day visit, on Saturday said she is committed to improving the fortunes of the people, before issuing a challenge to those who do not wish to see the country progress.
“Some people cannot tolerate the fact that the country is developing. They are blind despite having eyes. I am here not for myself, but to shape the fate of the country's people,” the premier said while exchanging greetings with leaders and activists of the Awami League and its associate bodies, local representatives and general public at the Kotalipara Upazila Awami League Office on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.
Seeking votes for boat, her party's electoral symbol, in the next general election, the premier said: “The Awami League has brought the country independence, given it economic emancipation, socio-economic development, and arranged food, clothes and accommodation for its people (countrymen). So vote for boat in the next general election.”
The prime minister briefly described her government's efforts to ensure the country's overall development over the last 14 and a half years.
However, she sternly addressed those who turn a blind eye to this massive progress.
"Even though they disregard the development, they are enjoying the benefits it brings," the premier noted.
"You (people of Kotalipara) are my near and dear ones and have always supported me," she added.
The premier arrived in Kotalipara around 11:27am, crossing the Padma Bridge after a three-hour car ride from her official residence, Ganabhaban. This visit was part of her two-day tour to Kotalipara and Tungipara.
PM's ICT Affairs Adviser and only son Sajeeb Wazed Joy accompanied her.
The entire Gopalganj adorned a festive look with colourful posters, banners and placards while a joyful environment has been prevailing around the district centring on her visit.
Upon her arrival at the Kotalipara Upazila Awami League Office, the premier planted three saplings of Neem (margosa), Bakul (Spanish Cherry) and mango trees.
Later, she inaugurated the newly constructed Kotalipara Upazila Awami League Office.
While exchanging Eid greetings, most of the Awami League leaders, its associate bodies and local representatives expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the prime minister. They thanked her for providing them with opportunities to share their thoughts and wished her a long life.
They also expressed their hopes for Sheikh Hasina to be re-elected prime minister of the country and reaffirmed their commitment to working towards securing victory for the Awami League.
In response, the premier urged everyone to pray for her so she would be able to continue to serve the country's citizens.
Following the conclusion of the programs, the premier will travel to Tungipara in the afternoon.
There, Sheikh Hasina will pay tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. She is scheduled to spend the night in Tungipara.
Sheikh Hasina will exchange Eid greetings with local Awami League leaders, its associate bodies, representatives and the public on the occasion of the holy Eid-ul-Azha on Sunday morning.
She is slated to depart from Tungipara for Dhaka on Sunday afternoon.