Hasina Warns Against Attack on Democracy

DHAKA NEWS

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged all to be cautious so that none can play games with people's fate and democratic rights.

Stating that repeated attacks on democracy have foiled the efforts to build the country with the spirit of Liberation War, she said Bangladesh could have been a prosperous nation 20 to 25 years ago and set an example in the world, had the Father of the Nation survived today.

Only the democratic governments can bring about prosperity and welfare to people, she told a civic reception at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad.

National Citizens' Committee accorded the reception to her to celebrate the victory in a case over disputed maritime boundary with Myanmar.

"It is unfortunate and painful that the nation lost the Father of the Nation and the four national leaders. As a result, democracy was hampered and military dictators had captured state power at gunpoint," she mentioned.

She urged all to work together to make the country free from hunger, militancy and fundamentalism.

The organisers said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman led the nation during the country's Liberation War and his daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina led people to the victory in maritime boundary case with Myanmar. Such achievement of the father and daughter is unique in world history, they added.

With a recent verdict from the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), Bangladesh has established its economic and territorial rights on 200-nautical mile in the Bay of Bengal and a substantial share of the outer continental shelf beyond 200-nautical mile. The court also awarded Bangladesh a full 12-mile territorial sea around the St Martin's Island.

Thousands of people attended the reception that turned into a joyous ceremony. Noted singers and dancers performed at the reception.

In his citation, poet Syed Shamsul Huq said Bangladesh is known as Green Bangla and with the latest victory it now could be Blue Bangla. "Thus with the combination of green and blue, we will build a Golden Bangla."

He congratulated Hasina for her outstanding leadership in the maritime boundary case.

Prof Zillur Rahman Siddiqui, chairman of the National Citizens' Committee, handed over a crest and citation to the premier, congratulating her on behalf of the people.

Hasina dedicated the victory to the next generation, saying this is not her victory but of the people who have supported her government.

She also thanked Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, officials concerned of her ministry, Bangladesh Navy and others for pursuing the case with the ITLOS.

The government of Bangabandhu in 1974 had framed the relevant laws on the maritime boundary. The previous Awami League government in 1996 took various efforts to that end. After returning to power in 2009, the AL through its all-out efforts achieved the victory, mentioned Hasina.

A case on the maritime boundary with India will be settled in 2014. "If people vote us back to power, we will employ all our efforts to ensure victory again," she said.

"Bangabandhu loved the people of this country deeply. I realised that. Therefore, I too love the people of this country and can make any sacrifice to see them prosper," she said adding, "We want to see a prosperous Bangladesh in 2021 on the 50th anniversary of our independence."

Foreign Minister Dipu Moni said people have to be cautious about those who cannot accept the achievement and progress of the nation and act accordingly during the elections.

Deputy Speaker Shawkat Ali, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique, Prof Qazi Kholiquzzaman, artist Quayuum Chowdhury, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry President AK Azad Chowdhury, cultural activist Golam Kuddus, journalist Golam Sarwar, National Professor MR Khan, Peshajibi Samannay Parishad leader Mesbahuddin Ahmed, former captain of Bangladesh national cricket team Rakibul Hasan, Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad President Maj Gen (retd) Helal Morshed Khan, Bangladesh Football Federation President Kazi Salahuddin were present, among others.