During a special extended meeting of the Awami League held at Ganobhaban on a Sunday morning at 10:30, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made several significant statements. She emphasized that military rule had been imposed in the country due to the corruption and misrule of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). In contrast, the Awami League has consistently fought for and safeguarded the people’s right to vote, ensuring a smooth transfer of power when in government.
Prime Minister Hasina firmly asserted that the people’s votes are crucial for the country’s development, and by voting for the Awami League, the citizens can steer the nation towards becoming a developing country. She expressed confidence that Bangladesh would begin its journey as a developing nation by 2026, provided the people support and vote for her party.
You can also read: Awami League Delegation Embarks on Bilateral Visit to India: Strengthening Political Ties with BJP
“The people hold the ownership of the vote, and the progress of this country as a developing nation hinge on their decision to vote for the Awami League.”
PM Sheikh Hasina
Addressing critics, Prime Minister Hasina questioned why poverty alleviation had not been accomplished earlier. She attributed the reduction in the poverty rate to 18 percent to the Awami League’s governance from 2009 to 2023. She challenged economists to explain why such progress did not occur before her party came to power. She credited the Awami League’s focus on pro-people policies, including poverty eradication, improved education, accessible healthcare services, and the promotion of the private sector for employment opportunities.
Sheikh Hasina further highlighted that the Awami League’s programs and initiatives are centered around the welfare of the masses, contributing to the reduction of poverty and the transformation of the grassroots level. She dismissed the notion that microcredit alone was responsible for the decline in poverty rates, emphasizing that the Awami League’s comprehensive approach played a pivotal role.
The Prime Minister also touched upon the challenges faced after Bangladesh gained independence, mentioning the conspiracy and targeted violence against Awami League activists and public representatives. She recounted the hardships endured by the party members during the 21 years following independence, where they had to care for the injured and mourn the loss of their fellow comrades.
The event was organized by the publicity and publication secretaries of the Awami League, Abdus Sobhan Golap, and Deputy Publicity Secretary Abdul Awal Shamim. Awami League’s General Secretary, Obaidul Quader, delivered a welcoming speech at the gathering. The special extended meeting witnessed the participation of various high-ranking members of the Awami League, including the National Committee, Central Executive Parliament, Advisory Council members, District/Metropolitan and Upazila/Thana/Pour (Municipalities located in the district headquarters) Presidents, and General Secretaries, Members of Parliament, Party Chairpersons of Zilla Parishad and Upazila Parishad, and Party mayors of city corporations and municipalities, as well as central presidents and general secretaries of allied organizations. The meeting provided an opportunity for the party leaders to discuss crucial matters and set the course for the Awami League’s future actions and policies
