Evil force tried to exploit situation

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the “ghosts” of anti-liberation forces and killers of Bangabandhu were still on the loose and hatching conspiracies to thwart peace and  progress.

“The evil force and some so-called civil society members have tried to achieve political gain, capitalising on the sentiments of the agitating students after the tragic death of two college students,” she said.

The PM was addressing a discussion organised by Bangladesh Chhatra League at the Gono Bhaban, marking the National Mourning Day.

“The opportunists tried to spread falsehood and instigate people by taking the advantage of social media, a contribution of the Awami League,” she said.

“Lives of many children might have been endangered because of their instigation … but they didn't think of the danger for a single moment while they [opportunists] were trying to take advantage of the children's protest,” she added.

Hasina said a section of civil society members raised a hue and cry as the government took appropriate action against the instigators.

“But everyone should keep in mind that the government would never compromise or succumb to any pressure on the question of ethics,” she said.

BCL President Rezwanul Haque Chowdhury and General Secretary Golam Rabbani also spoke on the occasion.

The PM urged the Chhatra League leaders not to hanker for party posts.

“Despite being the children of Bangabandhu, I and my brother Kamal worked as activists of the party and discharged our duties the party had given us,” Hasina said.

She said the killers of Bangabandhu not only killed him, but also tried to erase the country's history. But they failed as Bangabandhu and the history of Bangladesh were very much connected to the common people.

Urging the BCL leaders to learn from the life of Bangabandhu and Bangamata, Hasina said she was not afraid of death threats as several attempts had been made on her life in the past.

Amidst all the dangers, she has been making relentless efforts to materialise the dream of Bangabandhu and safeguard the basic rights of the people, she said.

Praising the role of Chhatra League in all past political movements, the PM said all successes of the people came through sacrifices of BCL leaders and activists.

The BCL made immense sacrifice for every achievement of the nation, and its leaders and activists embraced martyrdom in the movements against Ayub Khan, Ziaur Rahman, Ershad and Khaleda Zia, Hasina said.