None Could Halt Bangladesh’s March towards Progress: PM

"Bangladesh has not only established democracy, it is also now leading the democratic world. It is a great achievement for us," she said adding, "a great responsibility has now been vested on us to protect and advance democracy by way of our victory in CPA and IPU. So, I seek cooperation and doa from all in our noble mission."

The Prime Minister said this while participating in a discussion on the thanksgiving motion on election of Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury as chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and Saber Hossain Chowdhury MP as the president of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

Chief Whip ASM Feroze brought the motion in the House under Rule 147 of the Rules of Business. A good number of lawmakers from both the benches took part in the discussion congratulating both Dr Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury and Saber Hossain Chowdhury MP for wining these two prestigious posts.

Referring to Bangladesh's unprecedented victory in the CPA and IPU, the Leader of the House said these wins became possible as the people of the country have reposed their faith on the government and the Bangladesh Awami League.

The Prime Minister also expressed her firm determination to build a middle-income country by 2021 and the developed one by 2041. "We would establish a hunger-and poverty-free Sonar Bangla during the golden jubilee of our independence to materialize the dream of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman," she said.

Extending her heartfelt congratulations to Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and Saber Hossain Chowdhury MP on their victory in the CPA and IPU, the Prime Minister said these wins are rare as well as unique victory in the Bangladesh's history of democracy.

"On behalf of the people, government, Bangladesh Awami League and on my own behalf, I am congratulating both of you for creating history in the country and the world as a whole," she said.

Sheikh Hasina also thanked other countries including India and Singapore for their support to Bangladesh in winning the posts of executive chairperson of the CPA and president of IPU.

In this connection, she thanked the people of the country for foiling the conspiracies of thwarting the January 5 polls. "The plot to foil the polls was not only hatched in the country, it also took place abroad," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said the BNP-Jamaat nexus had created a terrible situation in the country to halt the January 5 polls. "Despite that, 40 percent votes were cast in the elections," she said.

"We have become successful in that election as we have got support of the people," she said and hailed all those who had contributed their best in holding the January 5 polls.

The Prime Minister said election of Bangladesh's two epresentatives in the world's two highly prestigious posts was in fact a befitting reply given by the entire world to those who had bitterly criticized the January 5 polls and questioned the legitimacy of the government out of their political jealousy and meanness.

Still those who are talking ills about the polls and the legitimacy of the government are "imbeciles", she said adding, they seldom have any idea about democracy.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh had lost the Commonwealth's membership three times-first in 1975 after the tragic assassination of Bangabandhu, second in 1982 after usurping power by General Ershad and third in 2007 after taking over power by the caretaker government. The reality is now that Bangladesh is on the helm of leadership to run both CPA, she said.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh is a victorious nation which earned independence after a 24-year struggle. She said everybody must have self-confidence and development, and advancements are not possible without it.

She also said no nation could achieve its desired goal without democracy.

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh also won the membership in the International Human Rights Council and International Telecommunications Union.

Referring to the Test series victory against Zimbabwe, she said it has been proved through this as Bangladesh can if they wish. In this connection, she mentioned that three Bangladeshi batsmen hit five centuries in the Test series against Zimbabwe and ace all rounder Shakib Al Hasan captured 10 wickets along with a ton in a Test against Zimbabwe.

On behalf of all lawmakers, the Prime Minister greeted all players of the Bangladesh team for their unprecedented success against Zimbabwe.

-Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)