Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the aim of her government is to ensure the economic emancipation of people as Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman led the country to independence in 1971.
"Now our aim is to attain economic emancipation," she told a discussion at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city yesterday marking the National Mourning Day.
Bangladesh Awami League organised the discussion with Deputy Leader of the House Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury in the chair.
Haisna said she knows in the present global economic turmoil, many big countries are facing trouble to maintain their economic growth. "But we're maintaining moderate growth... this is a good progress for the country," she said.
She said her government is providing subsidy on fuel, electricity and food grains so that the people of the country can live a better life. "We are providing subsidy to ensure that the prices of essentials remain under the commoners' reach."
In this connection, Hasina said her government is continuing OMS and fair price cards and such other measurers to ensure food for the poor.
"We're trying hard to ensure a good, peaceful environment so that all can have an enjoyable Eid, and I seek cooperation from you all," she said.
Referring to various conspiracies, she said people should remain alert so that no vested quarter could snatch their rights.
"Conspiracies are going on so that people lose their confidence in Awami League, but I have the trust on the people because we've come to power to serve them," she told the meeting.
Hasina criticised the birthday celebrations of the opposition leader on August 15 saying, "This is not her real birthday. All of a sudden in 1996, Khelada started celebrating her birthday on Aug 15. This is just to hurt the sentiment of Bangabandhu's followers."
Regarding the 15th amendment to the constitution, she said the chance of grabbing state power has been sealed with this amendment.
She said Ziaur Rahman had grabbed power illegally in 1975 after killing the Father of the Nation and rewarded the killers in many ways.
AL leader Suranjit Sengupta, Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury, AL General Secretary and LGRD Minister Syed Ashraful Islam, former home minister Mohammad Nasim, DU Vice Chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique, Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon, JSD President Hasanul Huq Inu and Industries Minister Dilip Barua also spoke at the meeting.
Source : The Daily Star
