PM calls for national unity

Stressing the need for national unity to take the country forward, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said her government would root out corruption through strict enforcement of laws.

“Now, we need national unity; we've to move forward together forgetting our differences. The basis of our unity will be the spirit of the Liberation War, non-communalism, democratic values, equality, justice, development and advancement,” she said in her first address to the nation after forming her new government earlier this month.

The PM said the government would work for all. It would take initiatives to uphold the rule of law in every sphere of national life and establish good governance, accountability and transparency in public services.

Hasina took office for a third consecutive term following the Awami League's victory in the December 30 national election. The new cabinet was formed on January 7.

During her 25-minute address, she said her party would work for all citizens irrespective of their party affiliations and views.

Mentioning that parliament would be the centre of all decision-making, she said, “The number of opposition members in the 11th parliament is very few, but we won't measure them by their number. Whatever be [their] number, due and logical proposals, discussions and criticisms by any member will be evaluated properly.”

Hasina urged the MPs-elect from the opposition (BNP-led Jatiya Oikyafront) to take oath and join parliament.

About corruption, the PM said she knew that there was discomfort in the society over graft in all sectors. She requested all those involved in corruption to correct themselves.

“Corruption will be eliminated through strict enforcement of laws. We have taken initiatives to uproot corruption from different sectors by expanding the use of information technology.”

Putting emphasis on people's participation in the government efforts to check corruption, Hasina said the work to create awareness against corruption would continue, taking assistance from the mass media.

Referring to the successful drives carried out against drug abuse, militancy and terrorism by adopting a “zero tolerance” policy, she said these drives would also go on.

The PM said it was seen that some youths got involved in terrorism and militancy due to either global influence or domestic instigation. “Islam is a religion of peace...there is no room for terrorism in Islam. I urge all the members of society to take a strong stance against drug addiction and militancy.”

Regarding the new cabinet, the AL chief said she has formed it with both young and old members. “[We've got] the experience of old and enthusiasm of the youths. With the combination of these two, we're expressing our firm conviction to reach our goals.”

She said her party doesn't believe in politics of rhetoric and it implements all its pledges. The party has already implemented most of the pledges it had made prior to 2008 and 2014 elections.

“The biggest responsibility ahead of us is to create jobs for educated youths. We've adopted special plans for their employment. We've set a target to create 1.5 crore jobs in the next five years.”

About the election results, Hasina said the AL's massive victory was expected as local and international surveys conducted before the election also gave indications of such results. “You have noticed the survey results of London-based Economic Intelligence Unit and Research and Development Centre.”

She said numerous development projects, including some mega ones like the Padma Bridge, of the two previous AL governments attracted voters to cast their votes for the party.

About the Jatiya Oikyafront's defeat in the December 30 election, the PM said various reasons were behind it, including giving nominations to 3-4 people or more in one seat, allegation of nomination trade, selection of weaker candidates, uncertainty over the selection of the prime minister if the alliance won majority seats in the election, failure to project future plans for the people, countrywide arson attacks and destructive activities “by BNP-Jamaat” from 2013 to 2015 and participation of Jamaat leaders in the polls with BNP's electoral symbol sheaf of paddy.

Hasina said the government wants to establish a peaceful society where there'll be no envy, enmity and conflict, and where people from all religions, creeds and communities will live in peace; and everyone will perform their religious rituals with dignity.

She mentioned that people have given their mandate keeping their trust in her.

“I'm promising you that I will try my best to give you the return for your trust. For that I need support and cooperation from all citizens, irrespective of their party affiliations and views. With your cooperation, Inshallah, we will establish non-communal Golden Bangla free from hunger, poverty and illiteracy as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” the PM said.

State-owned Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television simultaneously broadcasted her address. Private television channels and radio stations also aired the speech.