Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday dismissed the talks that there is no money in the country's banks. "Some people talk about reserve but there is no problem regarding it. Some say there is no money in the banks which is a blatant lie. Even yesterday I had a meeting with the Bangladesh Bank governor and other concerned . It was confirmed that we have enough money in banks," Hasina said.
Hasina, who is the president of ruling Awami League, was addressing a mammoth public rally at Jeshore stadium organised by the party. "If you keep your money in your house withdrawing from banks thieves will take away that money. It will just create scopes for the thieves," she said.
She said due to Covid-19 there is an economic crisis everywhere across the globe but in Bangladesh "we have kept our economy standing on a strong base till now."
"We have remittance inflow, foreign investment coming, export income has increased, and our tax collection has also increased. When all countries are struggling to avoid a recession Bangladesh has still remained strong economically," she added. She also said after 1975 no development work has been done in this country.
She urged the people not to pay heed to any rumours. "It is the job of BNP to spread rumours all the time and you know that," she told the rally. She said when military ruler Ziaur Rahman died he left nothing but a broken suitcase and torn clothes and the BNP only looted the country when they were in power.
The PM said that BNP had never done anything for the welfare and betterment of the country and its people. "They always engaged in looting while they were in power," she said.
She mentioned that during the 2001-06 regime BNP left foreign reserve at USD 2.5 billion only, when AL formed the government in 2009 for the second time it was USD 5 billion after the regime of the caretaker government. During the pandemic there was no export and import, as a result the reserve reached USD 48 billion, she said.
Hasina, said that the government has spent money for procuring vaccines, fertiliser, rice, wheat, corn for the people. "It (reserve money) did not go anywhere, it was spent for the welfare of the people," she said. She mentioned that the government now is constructing roads, pools and bridges and many other things.
"We have invested in various works, giving stimulus for export, agriculture and fulfilling the deficit money which accumulated up to USD 8 billion," she said. Coming down heavily on BNP, the AL chief said BNP, while in power, failed to give anything to the country and its people except looting, blood, killing and money laundering.
"They embezzled country's money and for that they have been convicted. Tarique Zia is convicted for seven years imprisonment and fined Tk 20 crore. He is also convicted for arms smuggling," she said.
Regarding Khaleda, She said, the opposition leader not only looted people's money, but also the money of orphans. "For siphoning Zia Orphanage money Khaleda Zia has been convicted. What these convicted leaders and their party will give to the people?" she questioned. It is reality that they miserably failed to give anything to the people, they only know to suck people's blood, she added.
Talking about unprecedented development of the country in the last three consecutive terms, the prime minister said that the government is working tirelessly so the country could stay in the world arena with self dignity. Briefly describing various pro-people activities of the government for different sections of people, she said that AL always works for the welfare of the people.
Thanking the people of the country including Jashore for repeatedly cast their votes n favour of Awami League and its symbol Boat, she urged all to vote for her party again in the next general elections. "Let me get your promise that in the next election you will cast ballots for Boat symbol... rise your hands and promise it to me," she asked.
While the cheering crowds raised their hands, Hasina thanked them and assured them of all out development activities in the Jashore as well as in the country. AL general secretary Obaidul Quader, AL MP elected from Khulna Sheikh Helal, AL presidium members Md. Abdur Razzak, Piyush Kanti Bhattacharya and Jahangir Kabir Nanak also spoke at the rally.
Jashore District AL president Shahidul Islam Milon presided over the rally. District Awami League General Secretary Shahin Chaklader conducted it. A boat-shaped stage was prepared at the rally venue by leaders and activists of Awami League, exhilarated by the prime minister's presence as the chief guest.
Thousands of people joined the rally that started at 3 pm. The law enforcement agencies and district administration deployed Rapid Action Battalion's (Rab) dog squad with other precautions from Tuesday to ensure security.
END/TDM/EHM
