Expressing conviction, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that Awami League will not get any benefit by scaring the movement. He said, ‘BNP will bring down the government, threatens various movements. There is no use in threatening and intimidating the movement to Awami League.
He said this at the grand gathering organized on the occasion of the inauguration of the country’s first ‘Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel’ under the Karnaphuli River at the KEPZ ground of Chittagong Anwara on Saturday afternoon. The rally was organized by Chittagong North and South District Awami League, which later turned into Janasamudra.
The Prime Minister said, ‘I want to make it clear that Bangladesh has been given the status of a developing country by forming the Awami League government after being elected by the people’s vote. Rather, the people of Bangladesh protested and removed Khaleda Zia from power because she stole votes in the February 15 farce election. They should remember that.’
Awami League president said, “They are vote thieves, people’s money thieves, BNP-Jamaat means murderers, terrorists and believe in militancy.”
The Prime Minister said, ‘Awami League believes in peace and development. Bangladesh is advancing globally because Awami League is in power. No one can claim this Bangladesh, it is a reality.
Recalling the tragic chapter of 75, he said, “I have lost all my parents, brothers and sisters.” But I had no right to seek justice for their murder. Because, Zia had blocked the way of justice by issuing the Indemnity Ordinance. Khaleda Zia stole the vote and put those murderers in power.
Referring to the context of her return to the country in 1981, Sheikh Hasina said, “I came to Bangladesh at a time when those murderers and war criminals are in power. Repeatedly attack me. Then on January 24, 1988, I was shot at at the historic Laldighi Maidan in Chittagong. Do you remember? On that day, 30 activists of Awami League died. Even though I was repeatedly interrupted, I did not make any illusions about my life. I only thought about one thing, that my father suffered all his life for the people of Bangladesh, endured jail-oppression-torture-torture and even gave his life. I will change their fate.
Sheikh Hasina said, ‘No people of this country will suffer without food, will not be landless, will not suffer from diseases. That is why we have established community clinics in every union. I have made all kinds of education arrangements for every boy and girl. So my only job is to do the welfare of the people of the country. No more wanted. I just want your prayers.
Seeking votes for Awami League in the election, he said, “You got freedom by voting for the boat brand, there has been development in all areas, including the Kornphuli tunnel.” So, raise your hand and promise whether you will give us a chance to serve again by voting in the boat in the next election. Meanwhile, the people raised their hands and promised to vote. At this time, the head of government asked for prayers from everyone and said, “Pray that this trend of development continues in the future.” The country should not fall into the hands of those robber terrorists.
The Prime Minister unveiled the plaque of ‘Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel’ at Patenga on the north bank of Karnaphuli today at 11:40 am and took the first journey through this tunnel connecting Patenga with Anwara Upazila of the city.
He then crossed the tunnel and paid his motor vehicle toll at Anwara on the south bank of the river. Later KEPZ joined the rally at the ground. The 9.39 km long tunnel along with the connecting road built at a cost of 10 thousand 689 crores will be opened for traffic from 6 am on Monday.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister inaugurated 11 projects and laid the foundation stones of six projects.
Sheikh Hasina also released a special commemorative postage stamp, inauguration envelope and special seal issued by the Department of Posts to mark the inauguration of the first underwater road tunnel. He also released a 50 taka commemorative note issued by Bangladesh Bank.
General Secretary of Awami League and Minister of Road Transport and Bridges Obaidul Quader and Joint General Secretary Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud. Begum Matia Chowdhury, member of Awami League presidium and deputy leader of Jatiya Sangsad, Engineer Mosharraf Hossain, member of presidium and Chittagong North District Awami League president, Lands Minister and local member of Parliament Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed, Secretary of Bridge Department Md. Manjur Hossain, Ambassador of China to Bangladesh Yao Wen and others.
Chittagong District Awami League South President Motaherul Islam Chowdhury presided over the event. Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message on the occasion. It was handed over to the Prime Minister by the Chinese Ambassador and read out. The secretary of the bridge department read the translation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a message that the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel is a project that bears the signature of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between China and Bangladesh and is another unique example of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. He expressed optimism that this tunnel will significantly improve the local traffic situation and will play a special role in advancing the socio-economic development of Bangladesh.
