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Published on January 10, 2017
She made the comment at a rally in Suhrawardy Udyan for commemorating the homecoming of the nation's father after his release from a Pakistani jail in 1972.
The prime minister said that the assassination of her father Bangabandhu on Aug 15, 1975 came as a shock just as Bangladesh was emerging from the shadow of the war.
Every other government that followed only sought to ‘help themselves’, the Awami League president continued.
“None of those who came to power after 1975 wanted to allow Bangladesh to hold its head high,” said PM. “This is because, while their bodies were in Bangladesh, their souls belonged to Pakistan.”
“If Bangabandhu was alive, Bangladesh would have become a developed nation in 25-30 years, and everyone could have lived in peace and harmony,” she said.
The rally was started by Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader who recited from a religious text. The assembly was organised by Awami League Publicity Secretary Hassan Mahmud.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived at the public rally premises at 3:25pm. Senior Awami League officials took the stage alongside her.
After noon, Awami League activists began marching towards Suhrawardy Udyan with flags and banners from various parts of the capital for the rally.
Many wore green and red T-shirts and green caps. Slogans of ‘Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu” could be heard from all sides of the Udyan.
Strict security measures were in place near the rally stage and areas around Suhrawardy Udyan. Police have blocked roads from the Shahbagh intersection to the Matsya Bhaban intersection and from the TSC intersection to the Doyel Chattar intersection until the rally ends. Motorists have been advised to use alternate routes.
Photo: Saiful Islam Kallol
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