PM criticises Dr Kamal for joining hands with BNP

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday came down heavily on Dr Kamal Hossain and his associates for joining hands with BNP. 

“They've joined hands with the corrupt, convicted criminals and killers. Where do they want to take the country?” she said. 

The PM said this while speaking at a programme where some 150 retired officials of the armed forces expressed solidarity with the pro-Liberation War forces and the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Gono Bhaban.

Sheikh Hasina said Dr Kamal Hossain, his associates and the civil society always speak out against terrorism and corruption but “he [Dr Kamal] is now under the leadership of convicted people.”

The prime minister questioned where actually Dr Kamal and his associates saw the lack of democracy in the country.

“This is the ill fate of the country that these people are talking about reviving democracy, but what is their definition of democracy? My question to them is what kind of democracy do they want to bring in,” the PM said.

Regarding the rhetoric of Dr Kamal Hossain and his associates about values and principles, she wondered where their principles are now. “Where are they taking their nomination papers from?” she questioned.

She said Dr Kamal Hossain and BNP repeatedly said they will establish the rule of law in the country. “But they [BNP] never obeyed the rule of law…who had taken the country to the verge of destruction? I don't know what kind of development they will ensure for the country!”

Sheikh Hasina, also the Awami League chief, wondered joining hands with BNP how will Dr Kamal be able to ensure development, eradicate corruption, terrorism and bring democracy to the country.

Briefly describing the various development initiatives taken by her government in the last 10 years, she said the country's GDP growth is now 7.86 percent and the aim of the government is to take it to double digit.

On the occasion, Prime Minister's Security Affairs Adviser Maj Gen (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique delivered the welcome address.

He said the retired officials of the armed forces will work together so that the pro-Liberation War forces, led by Sheikh Hasina, can return to power.

Some retired officers of the armed forces also spoke at the programme saying they will work for AL in the coming general election.