Death threats 'can't stop me from doing people's welfare': PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said she never tried to retreat from doing welfare of the country and its people, even after repeated death threats in her life.

“I have to move with the pain of losing close relatives. The path is not easy. I know I may have to face death again ...I never tried to step back,” she said.

The prime minister made the remarks while inaugurating 23 bridges on Joydebpur-Chandra-Tangail-Elenga road under South Asia Sub-regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) and Fatehpur railway overpass in Feni on Dhaka-Chitagong highway through videoconferencing, from her official residence Gono Bhaban.

She said although Bangladesh earned independence under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the defeated forces never sat idle. “When they saw that Bangladesh was advancing economically, they made the strike on August 15, 1975 with their all strength.”

Sheikh Hasina said after passing six years in exile, she returned home in 1981 and since then, she has a single aim which is to uplift the nation for which her father had sacrificed his life. “I have to change people's fate anyhow, so that they can live in peace, happiness and economic solvency.”

The premier said the government is taking necessary steps for the development of the country and its people. “And I'm getting cooperation from all,” she added.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader and Chief of Army Staff General Aziz Ahmed also spoke at the programme.