Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday warned the BNP that her government would get tough if needed to ensure security for the country’s people.
While speaking at a rally in the capital’s Suhrawardy Udyan organised to mark the Homecoming Day of Bangabandhu, she also called upon people to come forward and resist any attempt to create sabotage and violence in the name of movement.
“She [BNP chief Khaleda Zia] has made a big mistake by not participating in the January 5 elections [last year]. And now she is inciting anarchy from the refuge of her Gulshan office.
“I want to tell the BNP chief clearly...It was your mistake and your party will have to suffer. The people of the country will not suffer [for your mistake]. Why are you damaging the properties and livelihood of the countrymen through militancy and terrorism?” the PM said.
“Do not try our patience,” Hasina said.
“I am strictly telling the BNP leader that nobody would be spared if they try to attack people again. They will be dealt with iron hands...The government will do whatever is necessary to protect the people.”
Hasina, also the president of ruling Awami League, said Khaleda Zia’s habit of staying outside is nothing new; she has stayed out during various crisis moments of the country including the Liberation War in 1971.
Claiming that her political arch rival has not been kept confined to her Gulshan office and is free to go home with police escort, the PM said: “She is staying in her office willingly to stage a drama.”
Hasina also called upon people to stay vigilant so that they can catch anyone planning subversive activities in their areas and hand them over to law enforcers.
She also came down hard on Khaleda’s elder son Tarique Rahman, who recently said in London that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a collaborator.
“Her son is a kulangar [black sheep]. It is simple mathematics; like mother, like son,” Hasina said.
Most senior Awami League leaders attended and spoke at the rally that started around 2:30pm yesterday with recitations from Qur’an, Geeta, Tripitaka and Bible.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police lifted its indefinite ban on rallies and processions in the capital yesterday to allow the programme.
