Terrorists to lose existence in Bangladesh: Ashraf

Awami League General Secretary Syed Ashraf today said there will be no existence of terrorists in Bangladesh as a war has been declared against them.

"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina never breaches a pledge once it is made. The country is progressing under Sheikh Hasina's leadership. Terrorists won't be able to impede the country's development. We'll build Sonar Bangla one day under her leadership," he said.

Syed Ashraf, also the public administration minister, was addressing a discussion marking the national mourning day of August 15, organised by Awami Swechchhasebak League at Russell Square in the city.

The AL leader came down heavily on those for their double standard over the militancy issue.

"Some people on one hand are shedding tears as people are killed by the militants and they run out of tears for the killing of militants on the other. If the Bangalees possess such behavior, they won't be able to ascent to the highest peak ever."

"Our war against those who have declared war against the country will continue. Our country was not liberated on mercy of another country. Instead, we achieved the independence of the country through a liberation war. There is no place (here) for those who shed crocodile's tears," he added.

"Either you discharge your duties properly as the country's citizens or go to Libya, Iraq and Syria. There will be no place for you on Bangladesh soil," he said.

Issuing a note of warning to such people, the AL general secretary said, "I want to warn them that the double standard won't be allowed in this country."

Ashraf observed that there is a class in the country that never accepts Bangladesh, and will not accept it either in the future.

Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbub-ul-Alam Hanif and Organising Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, among others, spoke at the discussion held with Awami Swechchhasebak League President Mollah Md Abu Kawsar in the chair.