PM hits out at Dr Kamal for joining hands with BNP

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday came down heavily on Dr Kamal Hossain and his associates for joining hands with BNP and wanted to know about their intention where they actually want to take the country to.

"They've joined hands with the corrupt, convicted criminals and killers. Where do they want to take the country to," she said.

The Prime Minister said this while delivering her speech at a programme where some 150 retired officials of the armed forces expressed solidarity with the pro-liberation forces and the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganobhaban.

Sheikh Hasina said Dr Kamal Hossain and his associates and civil society people always talk against terrorism and corruption but have got together at a place where there are people who are convicted for graft and embezzlement of orphans' money, ten-truck arms haul case, terrorism and militants, August 21 grenade attacks.

"He [Dr Kamal] is now under the leadership of those convicted people...these civil society people will restore democracy under the leadership of those who are convicts," she said.

The Prime Minister questioned where actually Dr Kamal and his associates saw the lack of democracy in the country.

"This is the ill fate of the country that these people are talking about reviving democracy, but what's the definition of their democracy? They cannot tell that...my question is to them what type of democracy they want to bring in," Hasina said.

Regarding the rhetoric of Dr Kamal Hossain and his associates about values and principles, the Prime Minister said where are their principles now? "Where are they taking their nomination papers from," she questioned.

She said Dr Kamal Hossain and BNP repeatedly said they will establish the rule of law in the country. "But they (BNP) never obeyed the rule of law...who had taken the country to the verge of destruction? I don't know what type of development they will ensure for the country!"

Sheikh Hasina, also the Awami League chief, said joining hands with BNP how will Dr Kamal be able to ensure development, eradicate corruption, terrorism and bring democracy in the country? "That is my question."

Accusing BNP and its allies always of indulging in conspiracy, Hasina urged the people of the country to always remain alert against any sort of plot against Bangladesh.

Briefly describing the various development activities taken by her government in the last 10 years, she said the country's GDP growth is now 7.86 percent and the aim of the government is to take it to the double digit. "I would like to make the country as a brand in the world instead of wearing various items of various brands."

On the occasion, Prime Minister's Security Affairs Adviser Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique delivered the welcome address.

He said the retired officials of the armed forces will work together so that the pro-liberation forces, led by Sheikh Hasina, can return to power winning the next general election.

Some retired officers of the armed forces also spoke at the programme saying they will work for the AL in the coming general election.

Earlier, they greeted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by presenting her a bouquet and joined a photo session with her.

Daily Bangladesh/Sohug