More attacks may happen

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday cautioned people about a repeat of carnage like that of August 15, 1975, as those who don't like the country's development would not sit idle.

She reiterated that the August 21 grenade attack was launched under direct patronage of the BNP government.

She said then prime minister Khaleda Zia, also the BNP chairperson, had sent abroad four people, including one of the perpetrators of August 21 grenade attack Maulana Tajuddin, and killers of BangabandhuCol Rashid and Dalim on that day.

Hasina said it was learnt that Col Rashid and Dalim were in Dhaka at that time and they were under the supervision of Khaleda and her elder son Tarique Rahman.

She added that the perpetrators had decided to leave the country when they were sure that Hasina did not die.

"More attacks may happen. The August 15, 1975, attack was carried out when Bangabandhu started country's development. Today, Bangladesh became a developing nation and is heading towards a developed one. … those who don't like this will not sit idle, they must attack. … so be alert to this."

The premier also warned people of conspiracy being hatched as the next general election approaches.

Hasina, also Awami League president, was presiding over a discussion organised by her party at its 23 Bangabandhu Avenue central office marking the 18th anniversary of the gruesome August 21, 2004, grenade attack.

The barbaric attack claimed the lives of 22 AL leaders and activists and injured several hundred.

"We, who survived the August 21 grenade attack, have the responsibility to the people. And our pledge on this day is to perform the duties till the last breath," Hasina said.

Mentioning that it was impossible to carry out such heinous attacks without state patronage, she said the then BNP government's subsequent activities such as destroying evidence, including unexploded grenades, helping killers flee the scene and even the country, clearly shows state sponsorship.

Hasina said Khaleda knew everything well as she referred to then prime minister's remarks a few days before the attack that Hasina would never be the prime minister or even the opposition leader.

She said after assuming office in 2001, the BNP-Jamaat alliance government established a reign of terror across the country and killed thousands of AL men.

Recalling the terrible scene of the grenade attack, Hasina, who was the leader of the opposition in parliament at that time, said the party leaders and activists, including Mohammad Hanif, saved her life by creating a human shield.

Holding the BNP government responsible for destroying evidence, she said after the attack, a government organisation washed the entire area to erase all evidence.

"The BNP government sacked a young army officer who wanted to keep an unexploded grenade as evidence … it means that they did not want to keep a single evidence of the attack."

Hasina said after the attack on that day, police lobbed tear gas canisters and resorted to truncheon charge on AL men instead of rescuing the victims so that the attackers could flee without trouble.

Pointing out that six opposition lawmakers were injured in the attack, she said they were not allowed to utter a single word or discuss the matter in parliament.

Hasina said the entire world is now witnessing economic debacle due to the coronavirus pandemic, ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, sanctions and counter sanctions, and people have been suffering immensely for those reasons.

She called upon all to join hands with the government to help rescue Bangladesh from the situation.

About BNP's participation in elections, the premier questioned how the BNP would take part in the polls as its leaders are either accused (in different cases) or fugitives.

The BNP is running after foreigners to come to power,Hasina said, adding that people would decide which party will assume office.

"BNP's character is to resort to murder. We are urged to sit with them to bring them to election. Why? I don't understand. Are there no people in Bangladesh?" she questioned.

AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader, also road transport and bridges minister, delivered the introductory speech at the discussion.

At the beginning of the meeting, one minute's silence was observed as a mark of profound respect for the martyrs of the August 21 grenade attack and the August 15 carnage.

Immediately after reaching the venue, Hasina placed a wreath at the makeshift podium to show respect to the August 21 martyrs.

Later, she along with AL's general secretary placed another wreath on behalf of the party.