Join JS, discard destructive acts
PM calls on opposition
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addresses a press conference on her just concluded 12-day tri-nation tour of Russia, Belgium and Japan, held at PMO in the city yesterday. Photo: PID
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged the main opposition party to return to parliament by discarding destructive acts which damage property and cause public suffering. She said, “My earnest call to the opposition is to keep the national interest above personal and party interest. “Don't create suffering for the people through destructive activities…don't destroy country's and people's resources. Come to parliament and speak on all subjects.” She made the call while addressing a press conference at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Prime Minister's Office in the city, organised to brief on her just concluded 12-day tri-nation tour of Russia, Belgium and Japan. The PM replied to a volley of questions and touched issues including her government's 23 months rule, recent controversy about Grameen Bank, Khaleda Zia's cantonment house and the country's current political situation. Hasina said the opposition party has enough opportunity to speak in parliament as long as they want. “There will be opportunity for them to speak.” The PM said Bangladesh's image, portrayed during the 4-party alliance government, was a country of terrorism, militancy and corruption. But her government, through relentless efforts in the last 23 months, succeeded to remove those negative images. “It was very hard to come out from the negative images and we are still trying hard to eliminate corruption, terrorism and militancy. “People now can easily compare our first 23 months of rule to the 4-party's rule. You can easily differentiate the changes.” Replying to a question, she said her government always invites constructive criticism from the opposition. She also questioned on the hartals being called by the opposition party. Justifying hartalls called when she was in opposition, Hasina said those were called completely for the interest of the country and its people, like preparation of a flawless voters list, free and fair election and other national causes. Asked about the current political situation, she said, “I do not see any problem because everything is running smooth. “We have established governance and the government is not interfering on the activities of independent bodies.” In this context, she said media, both print and electronic, is enjoying full freedom. “Presently there are around 365 daily newspapers and over a dozen private television channels and radio stations, enjoying full freedom and printing and broadcasting whatever is happening.” “I believe constructive criticism is good for a government. The more the opposition criticises, the further will the government benefit. I always expect constructive criticism from all.” Turning to her visit, she said her tri-nation visit was a complete success and she upheld Bangladesh's interest and its image. She said she appealed for protecting the Sundarbans, calling to vote for the mangrove forest. In Belgium, she said the EU leaders assured that the European countries would continue their economic support and help Bangladesh develop. In Japan, she said it was a highly important tour for her as Japan assured to provide US $ 400 million for the Padma Bridge. Even the Japanese prime minister announced to give an additional US $ 100 million alongside an earlier commitment of US $ 300 million without any request. Japan also assured to extend all out cooperation for the development of Bangladesh. Finance Minister AMA Muhith, LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Syed Ashraful Islam, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, Information Minister Abul Kalam Azad and Prime Minister's Economic Affairs Adviser Masihur Rahman were present at the press conference.
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