Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Dear Countrymen,
1.Assalamu Alaikum. I hope, you have celebrated the Eid-ul-Azha festival amid festivities. I express greetings to you on the holy Eid. A few days back, the Durga Puja festival of the Hindu community concluded peacefully. I express my greetings to them. The Prabarana Purnima, a religious festival of the country’s Buddhist community, is being observed today. I also express them my sincere greetings on the occasion.
2 convey sincere thanks to the law-enforcement agencies including police, Rab and BGB, who worked relentlessly day and night to make the festivals of the people of the country safe and peaceful. I hope they will work similarly to ensure the citizens’ safety in the coming days.
Conscious countrymen,
We have achieved independence under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. On this day, I recall with gratitude Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, four national leaders and those who sacrificed their lives and my those mothers and sisters who were subjected to torture in the great Liberation War. The grand alliance government under the leadership of Bangladesh Awami League is determined to establish democracy on a strong footing and give it an institutional shape. Democracy will be strengthened when it will be established on the constitutional base and when the representatives elected by the people’s votes will rule the state.
When the caretaker government like that of 1/11 of 2007 rested upon the people’s chest like that of a non-removable boulder then all including political leaders, students, teachers, professionals and businessmen have to experience untold repression. The common people expect that there will no more be repetition of such a type of unconstitutional rule.
3. We are working relentlessly round the clock to honour the trust and faith the people of Bangladesh have kept upon us by giving their votes in the election of 2008.
The development achieved in different sectors including that of agriculture, education, food security, health, social security, infrastructure improvement, electricity, employment, investment and establishment of women’s rights after taking charge by the government elected through your votes have been applauded in the whole world.
The lower-income group of people have been elevated to the middle-income group now coming out of the shackles of poverty. The people’s standard of living has been enhanced. The income of farmers-workers-working people and garment workers has risen. A day-labourer after toiling for the day did not get wage to buy two kilogrammes of rice. But, he/she could now buy eight to 10 kgs of rice and other essentials for his/her family by spending his daily wage.
The credit for this goes to you. I believe, none could thwart development of the nation, which achieved its independence by spilling bloods.
Dear countrymen,
4. In our bid to build a digital Bangladesh, we have initiated education on computers to build the next generation to be educated in information-technology. Information service centres with internet connections have been opened in each of the unions. Employment opportunities for the young men and young women have been created. They can now lead an economically solvent life by earning cash money staying in their villages.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said it is easier to send money from abroad through mobile. Rural people can meet their expatriate relatives through Skype and video call.
Students get textbooks free of cost. Stipends and sub-stipends to 1.19 crore students from primary to degree level have started.
General people are getting health-care services and medicines free of cost through physicians and nurses from various community clinics and health complexes adjacent to their houses. So, the rate of child mortality and maternal mortality is being reduced.
5. She said her government has solved various professional problems of all establishments such as administrations, autonomous bodies, educational institutions, armed forces, law enforcement agencies including Police, Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Ansar-VDP and Fire Service. Salary and remunerations have been increased. Age limit in the service has been enhanced. Various steps have been taken for the welfare of the service holders.
“We have procured world class and modern weapons for Army, Navy and Air force aimed at making strong the country’s defence system to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty,” she said. “Procurement of more weapons is under process,” she added.
The government has arranged higher training for the members of the armed forces and their salary and allowances have been increased.
We have upgraded positions at various level of all organisations and the process is underway to change name of positions to make them more dignified.
Dear countrymen,
6. Our government has taken effective steps to mitigate water crisis and remove traffic jam in Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal and Sylhet city corporations. The government has implemented many projects to develop power and sewerage system. Dwellers will get more facilities as some projects are under implementation stage. We have completed elections in four new city corporations of Narayanganj, Comilla, Rangpur and Gazipur.
7. The government has brought about big change in the communication system and constructed roads, bridges-culverts at every union, upazila and district which will continue unabated.
The communication system has been developed for easy movement of common people. Many development works are underway. We have reconstructed railways, roads and highways and waterways. The government has procured new railway engines, coaches and locomotives.
One thousand new buses have been procured for Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC). The government has taken necessary measures to ensure smooth journey of passengers for the Eid-ul-Azha which you bear witness.
8. The country experienced huge power crisis when our government assumed power and we have removed your sufferings. Now the capacity of power generation rose to 9,713MW and 60 per cent out of the total people are now enjoying electricity facilities.
We will reach electricity in every house, if we could form the government again with your support,” Hasina said.
Conscious countrymen,
9. Despite world-wide recession, the country’s economy is fast progressing. Per capita income rose to $1,044 and the GDP growth is at 6 per cent.
We have drastically reduced inflation rate to 7/8 per cent from 11 per cent.
The foreign currency reserve has crossed all time records that stood at $16.5 billion now.
We have reduced the prices of food products during the month of Ramadan. The prices of sacrificial animals were within purchasing capacity in this Eid.
We have made arrangements of performing the holy hajj smoothly. I congratulate those who performed hajj and expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah.
We have conquered the sea and we have started the work of different projects for using the huge sea resources for the welfare of the people. Our socioeconomic situation will be further improved if these projects are implemented in future.
Dear countrymen,
Bangladesh that was used to slate and criticise as well as ashame due to terrorism, corruption and militancy across the globe during the BNP-Jamaat rule has now been recognised as a role model in the world.
We have established good governance and contained militancy with iron hand. We have controlled graft and improved law order situation. We have launched the trial of war criminals. The countrymen and the expatriate Bangalees now can move with dignity keeping their head high.
The killing, terrorism, rape, lootings, corruption and nepotism unleashed during the BNP-led four-party rule from 2001 to 2006 had pushed the country towards darkness. The panic of horrific days still chases the people. The people of the country did not forget a government inside the government named Hawa Bhaban.
Due to these misdeeds of BNP, the country witnessed another tormented chapter of 1/11. The people of the country came out of the tyranny with courage. The country is advancing following the bright prospects. The people of the country are leading a peaceful life.
In this situation, I call upon the opposition not to damage the life and property of the people by bombing and torching. Stop defamation of the holy Islam by burning the holy Quran and setting fire to mosques. Stop making the orphans as dead bodies to use them for making bombs at madrasas. Stop killing the innocent pedestrians and poor bus drivers by burning. Let the people remain in peace.
Islam is a religion of peace. Islam never allows terrorism and militancy. The final destination of those who kill the innocent people in the name of Islam will be the hell.
Therefore, I urge the opposition leader to withdraw the order killing people with knife, machete and axe. The way of peace and unity would bring welfare for the country and the nation. Keep trust in the people, shun the path of terrorism. Speak whatever you want at parliament and discuss. The door for the discussion is always open from our side.
I had called the opposition leader in a dialogue. But it is a matter of regret that in response, she said she will overthrow and force me to leave the country within 48 hours by giving an ultimatum.
The nation was panicked due to the atrocities of Shapla Chattar in Motijheel on May, 4, 5 and 6. Our timely steps restored comfort in the public mind and gave security to them.
BNP had placed an adjournment motion in the Jatiya Sangsad. But it withdrew the motion when we agreed for the discussion. They once say for the caretaker government, once the non-party and again say Hasina-free. They are continuing unrealistic words. They are confusing the people. Submit your adjournment motion again if needed and clearly say what do you want?
You can remember that late president Zillur Rahman had exchanged views with all political parties and professionals before the formation of the election commission. The opposition leader had joined that dialogue. The election commission was constituted for the first time in Bangladesh through a search committee.
So far 5,777 elections were held in the country since the government assumed power. Election Commission staged the polls in a free, fair and peaceful manner.
The government did not interfere in any of the elections and candidates of the opposition won in many of the elections. “Insha Allah the next general elections will be held in a free and fair manner.”
Polls would be held within 90 days starting from October 25 as per the constitution, said the prime minister.
“It has been mentioned in article 1 of the country’s constitution-72. I quote; “There will be no recess for more than sixty days between the period from the end of a parliament session and the first meeting of next session.”
“There is more to be mentioned. I quote: [Except the period of ninety days as mentioned in sub-clause (a) of clause (3) of article 123 for remaining term] a period exceeding sixty days shall not intervene between the end of one session and the first sitting of parliament in the next session.
“It is mentioned about holding elections in 123 article of the constitution. Section three (ka): within ninety days in case of dissolution of parliament due to the end of tenure; (kha): elections would be held within ninety days after dissolution of parliament due to any reason other than the expiry of tenure.”
The Awami League-led grand alliance formed the government in 2009 after winning the elections held on December in 2008. First sitting of the present parliament was held on January 25. The counting of ninety days will start on October 25 in line with section 123 (3) of the constitution.
The premier said elections would be held according to written advice by the prime minister to the president according to section one of the constitution-72.
“I will give written advice to the president on time after consultation with all political parties, especially the grand alliance, so that national polls are held in ninety days. I expect advice from opposition party.”
Dear countrymen,
There had been many dramas centering elections in Bangladesh after assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with his family members on August 15, 1975.
The country’s people saw unstable situation and rampage of cruelty in each and every election during the last 38 years. Only Awami League government handed over power peacefully after successful completion of its tenure in 2001. People of the country do not want anarchy and unstable situation.
The only aim of my life is to do welfare of the people, their prosperity and improved life. Let’s do welfare of the country’s people by shunning the path of conflict. So, come to the path of peace.
Dear Countrymen,
“We want to hold national elections taking all parties. My proposal to the opposition party is that we can form government comprising all parties. Our aim is to hold a free and neutral election. Peaceful election.”
“So I propose to the opposition that it can give names from parliament members of the party so that we can form all-party government by making them members of a cabinet committee during interim period. And we can hold a credible election by removing doubt of anyone regarding the election and then the country’s people would be able to form their government as per their desire.”
“I request the leader of the opposition that she will respond to my call. She will keep my request and she will value our good intention.”
“So, let us establish the democracy further on a strong base through free, fair and credible elections in the greater interest of the welfare of the country and nation so that our young generation gets a beautiful society. We all can build a beautiful and potential Bangladesh.
I urge all to forget differences and build a hunger, poverty and illiteracy-free modern Bangladesh by 2021 as Sonar Bangla as dreamt by Father of the Nation.
Dear countrymen,
Today is the 18th October, the birthday of Sheikh Russell, my youngest brother. He was killed brutally along with most of the family members of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the fateful night of August 15, 1975. My younger sister Rehana and I on that day lost 18 of our family members including mother, father, brothers and sisters-in-law. One cannot bear a single tragedy. You all know the suffering and pain after the death of a near one and I am sure you all know how painful it is. With the pain and suffering of losing my family members I still continue to work for the welfare and for improving the lot of peasants, workers and toiling masses of the country.
I am doing this because my father loved the people of the country very much and gave his life for their economic freedom. He had only one dream that one day Bangladesh will be free from hunger and poverty. His dream was that all people of Bangladesh would have high standard of living. So I want your blessing on this day. Please pray for me so I can discharge my responsibility of transforming Bangladesh into an advanced nation by 2021.
At the same time, I want your blessing for my 10-year-old brother who was brutally killed by bullets of the assailants. I also pray to the Almighty so that all of you remain in good health, stay well and get a better life. My sincere thanks to you once again.
Joy Bangla. Joy Bangabandhu.Long live Bangladesh.
