Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to leave her destructive path of politics and take the path of peace instead.
The premier made the call on the day of Khaleda’s blockade announcement.
She started her speech at 7:15pm on Monday. BTV World aired the address live.
Earlier in the day, confined BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has called party men to continue countrywide blockade programme until the government permits BNP to hold rally.
She made the announcement while briefing reporters at her Gulshan office on Monday afternoon. The BNP leader came up with the briefing after almost an hour of her effort to leave the office.
Hasina, in her speech, also urged Khaleda to do politics for the well-being of and development for the people.
“And if you do this then you might be successful [in coming to power],” the PM said.
Pointing to Khaleda Zia, Sheikh Hasina said it is your mistake that has kept your party out of the parliament.
Sheikh Hasina also reminded the violence, vandalism, anarchy and killing which she alleged BNP-Jamaat did to foil the election.
In her speech she said BNP and Jamaat killed law enforcers, journalists among many in that time. Most of them were burnt alive to death.
However, she mentioned she was ready to have maximum considerations to opposition alliance to bring them in election.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina termed her first year in government a “landmark” year in the national life.
The success of the government has upheld the goals of the liberation war, the premier said.
She also termed it as a year of success, as Bangladesh was as a “Role Model” for making socio-economic development.
The country has been regarded one of the five countries that made fasted advances in economy.
She cited her government's achievement on the occasion of the first anniversary of the election victory held on January 5, 2014.
Sheikh Hasina, in her speech, has picturerised her government’s achievement and performance including the increase in the average income of the people, increase in the employment opportunity.
She also cited the development of education, women empowerment, achievement of global recognition for democratic practice, making parliament effective.
The PM particularly emphasised that Bangladesh has been ranked seventh among the ten nations that ensured most empowerment for women.
She also mentioned her government's effort to educate women, and combating terrorism.
ACC has been strengthened and made effective in her tenure, she said.