PM Hasina to BNP, Jamaat: Seek public apology for killing people

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday asked BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami to apologize to the nation for what she said killing people and resorting to arson attacks.

She also urged all parties to take part in the January 7 parliamentary election, saying that the polls door is open for all.

“Jamaat-BNP have killed people and damaged lives and properties by arson attacks. So we want them to apologize to the nation and then come to the polls. The door of the election is open to all,” she said.

The premier made the call while delivering her opening speech at the first meeting of Bangladesh Awami League’s Election Steering Committee at Awami League Dhaka district office in the city’s Tejgaon area.

The chairman of Awami League's Election Steering Committee, Sheikh Hasina, said the election schedule has been announced. “Come and participate in the election, go to the people and ask the people to vote for you,” she said pointing at everyone.

She thanked the Election Commission for announcing the election schedule in time following the rules without being afraid of the arson violence.

The prime minister sought cooperation from the people of the country so that the election could be held in a fair manner and on time.

She said this election is for ensuring the voting rights of the people and the formation of a government of their choice. “You cast vote (in the election) with the slogan that I will give my vote to whoever I want,” she added.

Pointing to the youth society, Sheikh Hasina said her government has made Digital Bangladesh and now everyone is getting its benefits. Now her government is endeavouring to make the country as Smart Bangladesh in the future. We hope that we get their (youth folk) cooperation (to do so),” she said.

She questioned why the people would vote for those who killed and planned to kill the common people and why the people would keep their trust in them.

The people do not trust them as they are identified as killers and conspirators, she added.

Noting that election is the constitutional right of the people she said the time has come for election and the people will vote.

“If anyone has the courage, they will run the election,” she said, adding that if they have public support, they will get it. 

Sheikh Hasina, also the ruling Awami League president, said the party who is elected by the people in the voting will form the government. They (BNP-Jamaat) are carrying out attacks on the people failing to keep trust in them, she added.

Source: UNB