Sunday's 'Destructive Activities'
Govt tolerates for democracy: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the government had tolerated Sunday's “destructive activities of the opposition party” for the sake of continuation of democracy.
The “pre-planned” incidents on that day were designed to foil the trial of war criminals who had perpetrated in killing, rape, looting and arson, she said.
Hasina made the remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the SME Fair 2011 at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the capital.
The premier said that judiciary in the country is free and independent.
“If the accused persons can prove they are innocent, they will come out from the custody. What is the problem here?” she observed.
The present government believes in healthy competition in democracy where people will freely exercise their right of franchise. For that reason, the government did not act harshly although two people were killed during Sunday's incidents, she said.
Indicating opposition BNP, Hasina said that in the 2008 general elections, the people of the country had rejected this party. “Now they are taking revenge on the people.”
She said what is wrong if the government takes action against people who were engaged in money laundering, looting, embezzling funds of an orphanage and other evil deeds.
“Even an FBI agent gave her testimony against money laundering during the BNP regime. It was a shame for the whole nation,” she said.
The premier said if the government does not take action against such misdeeds, how the country will advance?
Referring to Sunday's incidents, Hasina said, “What was the reason behind such activities? Election is the best way to change any government through democratic process.”
In this connection, she mentioned that the last couple of elections under the present government were held in a free and fair manner, and in many places, the ruling party backed candidates were defeated.
“We show that election can be held freely and neutrally under a political government,” Hasina said.
She blamed the opposition party for putting people under unnecessary pressure by creating anarchy in the country.
“We all have seen the non-democratic system in the name of caretaker government or army backed caretaker government system. We are exercising restraint for the wellbeing of democracy,” she said.
Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) organised the five-day fair to showcase the SME products of the country.
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