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We’re no more dependent, says PM


Published : 05 Jan 2022 11:00 PM | Updated : 05 Jan 2022 11:00 PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said Bangladesh is no more dependent on others and can finance its development projects from its own fund which has been proven through the construction of the Padma Bridge.

The prime minister added that Padma Bridge has changed the image of the country to the entire world. She said, “Now no one dares to show pity on Bangladesh rather everyone shows respect to Bangladesh.”

The Prime Minister came up with these remarks while addressing the 74th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) held at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh Auditorium in the capital. She joined the function virtually from her official residence in Ganabhaban.

“We are no more dependent on other countries. We can self-finance our development projects. We have proved this through the Padma Bridge Project with our own financing, which has changed the image of Bangladesh to the entire world. Now none dares to show pity on us, rather everyone shows respect to us,” said the Prime Minister.

She also expressed her desire of holding on to such trends of achievement. 

In her speech, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked BCL leaders and activists to prepare themselves as skilled manpower to utilize their innovative power and avail themselves of the advantage of upcoming technology (4IR), keeping away from corruption, militancy and terrorism.  

“The 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) will come and in this technological era, the efficiency of people will also change. So, the BCL leaders and activists will have to be ready from now on in a befitting manner,” she said.  

Reminding the BCL leaders and activists Bangabandhu’s quote “Great achievement requires great sacrifice”, Sheikh Hasina, also the President of ruling Awami League, urged them not to be misguided. 

“You should not be associated with terrorism, militancy and corruption. You have to keep (yourself) away from those and have to pay special attention to the country so can move forward on the path of peace and development,” she told the BCL leaders and activists. 

She said each BCL leader and activist should keep in mind that it is the job of a political leader to work for the people.

Referring to BCL’s main mantra - education, peace and progress, she said, “The world is moving forward and we also have to follow the same development trends with the latest innovations in science and technology.”  

In this connection, the Prime Minister said her government has made computer education, technology education, internet use and mobile phone available to all.

As a result of being in power continuously since 2008, she said, today it has become possible to expand the use of technology to remote areas of Bangladesh. “So, there is no chance to deceive people anymore. People are more conscious today because of advanced technology available in the palms of their hands.”  

Awami League Presidium Member Abdur Rahman also spoke while BCL President Al-Nahian Khan Joy was in the chair. BCL General Secretary Lekhak Bhattacharya conducted the function. 

At the outset of the event, a one-minute silence was observed with respect to all the martyrs.

Besides, a video documentary on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was screened, while the theme song of Chhatra League was also sung.  

The premier also opened “Matribhumi Corner” at BCL’s headquarters in the city’s Bangabandhu Avenue where a collection of all books, documentaries and write-ups on Bangabandhu as well as books and write-ups of Awami League President Sheikh Hasina were accumulated. 

Former presidents and general secretaries of BCL central executive committee as well as former leaders of other units were also present.

Mentioning that her government's goal is to move forward along the path of technology and they have opened that path, the Prime Minister said, "So, we have to move forward following the path of progress and utilizing new innovations." 

Referring to the fifth five-year plan and perspective plans, she called upon the BCL leaders and activists to become well educated to attain the desired goals. 

She hoped that Bangladesh will become a prosperous and developed country by 2041 and BCL leaders and activists have to take preparation to be the soldiers of developed-prosperous Bangladesh of 2041.

Sheikh Hasina said, “By following the principles and ideologies of Bangabandhu, all obstacles can be overcome. In this connection, she mentioned the issue of the construction of the Padma Bridge with its own funds. 

The country's largest students' organisation having a glorious heritage of struggle and success, the BCL came into being on January 4, 1948, as advised by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.  

She said the BCL leaders and activists, who want to establish themselves as political leaders, have to move forward with an ideology and honesty. “In this emerging world, you've to keep up the pace and have a specific goal.” 

She laid emphasis on the necessity of building BCL with the right values and ideals so the country may get its future leaders from the organisation as it is closely related to the history and all achievements of the nation.

Sheikh Hasina said that the nation responded to the call of the Father of the Nation and liberated the country by taking up arms. "When Bangabandhu was assassinated with his entire family, why did all come to a standstill? That's a big question (to me), I never got any answer to that question, maybe I will get it one day.  

She noted the defeated forces along with the anti-Bangladesh nexus couldn't accept the emergence of Bangladesh and they took their revenge by killing Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.   

Turning on the challenges during the Coronavirus outbreak, she appreciated the BCL's role during the Covid-19 period for helping farmers to harvest crops during this pandemic crisis. 

Against the backdrop of the new variant Omicron, she asked the countrymen to follow the health guidelines to prevent its spread, which is more dangerous than the previous ones. 

"Protect yourselves and also help others to stay safer," she added.