Awami League President and former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has issued a strong warning in a video message regarding the current political situation and the upcoming election. Speaking in unequivocal terms, she said that no conspiracy or intimidation could erase the Awami League from the hearts of the people.
The People Are the Strength of the Boat
Raising a pointed question, Sheikh Hasina said, “Why shouldn’t the Awami League be allowed to contest elections? Why shouldn’t our Boat symbol remain?” She answered her own question by saying that the opposition knows very well that if a free and fair election is held, the people will vote for the Awami League. She noted that during her party’s tenure in power, terrorism was curbed and the safety of life and property was ensured. From increases in per capita income to revolutionary development of roads, bridges and infrastructure, she said, all major progress came under Awami League leadership.
Digital Bangladesh and the March Toward Prosperity
She further said that her government had built “Digital Bangladesh” for the younger generation. Even boys and girls at the union level are now able to earn money through freelancing from home. Through startup funds, hi-tech parks and the launch of the Bangabandhu Satellite, when the country had reached the peak of modern technology, she alleged that a vested quarter began trying to destroy those achievements.
Economy on the Brink Amid a Festival of Plunder
Expressing deep anger over the current economic situation, Sheikh Hasina said, “Today the economy is completely destroyed. Hundreds of thousands of crores of taka from the stock market are being siphoned abroad. Bank money has all been looted.” She alleged that businesspeople are no longer getting even their running capital and factories are shutting down one after another. Those who are destroying the country’s wealth, she said, have not an iota of patriotism.
“I Am Not Afraid of the Death Penalty”
Referring to the cases filed against her and the sentences handed down, she said, “More than 400 cases have been filed against me. I’ve even been given the death penalty. So what is there left to fear? I know what that punishment is.” She added that party leaders and activists are being forced out of their homes and subjected to inhuman torture, which she said is unacceptable under any circumstances.
Call on the People to Remain Strong
Mocking the current administration’s plan regarding the election, she said, “They will declare the votes themselves anyway. So there is no need for people to go to polling centers just to be humiliated.” She called on the people of the country to take a steel-strong pledge and remain firm against what she described as this oppressive rule.
