August 3, 2023
DHAKA – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked people to vote for “boat”, the Awami League’s electoral symbol, in the next general election so that her party could have another opportunity to serve them.
“People got the country independent by casting votes for ‘boat’. The country’s development happens only when Awami League is in power,” she said.
Addressing a massive rally at Rangpur Zilla School playground, Hasina said she was ready to sacrifice her life like her father for the development of the country, report UNB and BSS.
The AL president had visited Rangpur, the district of her in-laws, in December 2018 during electioneering. Yesterday, she again sought people’s support for her party.
The premier described measures taken by her government for the development of the country’s northern region. She also made some new pledges to the locals.
The rally, organised by Rangpur district and city units of the AL, virtually turned into a human sea as the venue and its nearby areas were full to the brim with people.
Rangpur city had been in a festive mood for the last couple of days centring the AL chief’s visit. Several hundred arches were set up to welcome her. Festoons, banners, placards and posters with photos of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Hasina were also put up across the city.
Hasina reached the venue around 3:25pm.
Speaking from a large boat-shaped stage, she said she lost her father, mother, and brothers, and now the people of Bangladesh are her family.
Hasina said whenever the AL comes to power, it improves the condition of farmers, it provides electricity to households, and advances the country.
She asked the crowd, “Will you cast votes for ‘boat’? Please show me by raising your hands.” The crowd raised their hands.
The PM announced that her government will implement the Teesta Master Plan. She said Rangpur Sugar Mills, which remains closed for a long time, will be handed over to the private sector.
“I can say firmly that there will be no more famine in this region and we are developing Rangpur division in such a way.”
The Rangpur Zilla School ground is packed to the brim with people who have come to see Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and listen to her speech at an Awami League rally yesterday. The crowd spilled over into nearby areas. Photo: PID
Hasina said her government has been working to change the fate of the masses since assuming office. “Bangladesh has changed a lot over the last 14 and a half years in every aspect, particularly in socio-economic advancement.”
About the differences between the AL government and the previous BNP-led government, she said her government has a development budget of Tk 2 lakh crore which was only Tk 21,000 crore during the BNP’s tenure.
“Awami League has proved time and again that the fortune of the people changed whenever they voted the party to power. On the other hand, BNP makes its fortunes by committing unbridled corruption whenever it assumes power and carries out arson terrorism and destruction whenever it is in opposition,” she added.
The PM said the Awami League has brought back democracy in the country after long struggles and movements. “People now can cast their votes peacefully.”
AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader, party leaders Abu Saeed Al Mahmud Swapan, Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, HN Ashequr Rahman, Abdus Sobhan Golap, and Tipu Munshi, among others, addressed the rally presided over by Rangpur city AL Convener Delwar Hossain.
From the rally venue, the premier inaugurated 27 development projects and laid the foundation stones of five others involving over Tk 2,000 crore.