Those involved in violent activities won’t be spared: PM

"BNP-Jamaat terrorists brutally killed numerous Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League leaders and activists across the country and looted and torched their houses in the last few months. They also cut roads and fell trees," she said.

"None of those involved in the atrocities will be spared and stern action would be taken against each of the culprits," she added.

Sheikh Hasina, also the Awami League President, said this while addressing a mammoth public rally at Satkhira Government High School Ground here this afternoon.

Earlier, the Prime Minister arrived here this noon to open 11 development projects and distribute cheques among the family members of the victims of BNP-Jamaat terrorist atrocities in the frontier district since February 28, 2013.

Sheikh Hasina also called upon the BNP chairperson not to disrupt peace of the people and said she will have to pay price for the mistake she committed by boycotting the January 5 polls.

"BNP did not join the polls as its ally Jamaat-e-Islami was barred from participating in the election by a High Court order," she said adding the court had declared the Jamaat as a militant organisation.

The Prime Minister said BNP had skipped the polls being sympathetic to the Jamaat. "They did not only boycott the polls, they also unleashed violent acts to resist the election," she said.

The Awami League chief said BNP-Jamaat terrorists made the life of the people of Satkhira miserable by resorting to misdeeds. The common peace-loving people had to face serious difficulties to lead a peaceful life due to the terrorist acts of the BNP- Jamaat including killing, torching houses and shops, felling trees, uprooting rail lines and cutting roads, she said.

They have created such a situation that economic activities almost came to a standstill and it was very difficult to run the schools. "But due to our timely steps for containing terrorism and militancy, peaceful situation was restored and the people could cast their votes by braving all obstacles," she said.

In this connection, the Prime Minister congratulated the people for playing a courageous role and casting vote in the January 5 polls.

The Prime Minister said Begum Zia had declared to resist the polls. "But by the grace of almighty Allah, the elections were held despite obstructions and she could not foil it," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said the BNP chief had failed both in waging movement and resisting polls. "Now she is getting burnt in the fire of failure and also burning the people in the flames," she said.

"I would like to warn the BNP leader that the people want peace, food, shelter and healthcare services. So don't destroy the peace of the people," she said.

The Prime Minister said the aim of her government is to establish Bangladesh as a peaceful country in South Asia. "There will be no room for terrorist and militant organizations in the country as its people want peace," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said those who stained the soil of Satkhira with blood by unleashing killing won't be spared and called upon the people of the frontier district to stand against such atrocities with their own strength.

"Stand against the terrorist acts with your own strength. We would be with you and the law enforcement agencies would stand beside you. And Satkhira won't remain bloodstained, we would root out terrorism from the district Insha Allah," she said.

The Prime Minister said the country was liberated under the leadership of Bangabandhu as the people irrespective of caste,creed and religion fought for independence. "So the people of all faiths would live in the country with equal rights and none would interfere in this regard and it won't be allowed," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said the affected families of the victims of the BNP-Jamaat atrocities have already been given financial assistance. Initiatives have been taken to rebuild houses of the affected families, she said, adding the Border Guard Bangladesh has been tasked with building the damaged houses.
Source: BSS