By Mizan Rahman/Dhaka
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked police to take necessary steps to stop violence unleashed by opposition transport blockade across Bangladesh.
“I’ll take the responsibility for whatever happens (for the action). But, you’ll have to ensure the safety of people and their property. You’ll take steps whatever necessary against those burning people and attacking them ... there’s no need to
hesitate,” she said.
The Prime Minister also said, “In doing so, you must accomplish the task without any hesitation and I give you the liberty.”
Hasina was addressing an evaluation meeting of senior officials of Bangladesh Police to mark Police Week 2015.
She said what the opposition BNP and Jamaat have been committing since January 5 in the name of strikes and blockade would never be recognised as a movement in political history as these are completely terrorist and militant acts.
“The way the militants are committing acts in different countries of the world, the same way they (BNP-Jamaat) are now perpetrating destructive acts (across the country),” she said.
“I hope, you’ll take stern actions in your respective areas to curb these terrorist acts after talking to people, public representatives and law enforcement agencies like Ansar and Village Defence Party and Rapid Action Battalion. You’ll have to unitedly curb such militant acts with an iron hand,” she added.
Mentioning that the BNP-Jamaat had a horrific plan to destabilise the country, the prime minister praised the police and intelligence agencies for thwarting their bid to create such an unstable situation.
Alleging that the current anarchy unleashed by the BNP-Jamaat is meant to deter the economic dynamism and pace of development, she said the worst victims of these subversive acts are the common and hardworking people.
Hasina questioned the BNP chief whether she, after losing her beloved son, can feel the pain of that mother who has lost her son or whose son suffered severe burn injuries in petrol bomb attacks. “Can Khaleda Zia realise this pain?”
She also called upon police to discharge their duties with a strong mindset to establish the rule of law, protect human rights, uphold the constitution and protect democracy alongside protecting the rights of women and children, elderly people and religious minorities.
Hasina said the government would modernise the police force by employing latest
technology.
She also assured them of providing necessary vehicles, including speedboats alongside other equipment, enhancing the manpower, gradually setting up newer police barracks as well as setting up four new police lines in the capital Dhaka.
Hasina said she has not assumed office to relish power, rather she believes that it was her duty and responsibility to ensure the welfare and
betterment of people.
Turning to the ongoing war crimes trial, she said the trial is going on properly and this has to be taken ahead to free the
country from stigma.
She also renewed her pledge to restore peace in the country, turn Bangladesh into a middle-income country well before 2021 and a prosperous developed
one by 2041.
State Minister for Home Affairs Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and Home Ministry Senior Secretary Mozammel Haque Khan spoke on the occasion while Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Haque gave the address of welcome.
PM: u201cI’ll take the responsibility for whatever happens (for the action)...u201d
