NEW YORK, Sept 29, 2019 (BSS) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has issued a
strong word of warning against the corrupt people, categorically saying that
the government’s stern action against the corrupt and dishonest persons will
continue.
“We’ve taken stringent action against terrorism, militancy, corruption and
drugs … I want to tell one word clearly that if anybody earns money by
holding dishonest path and his/her irregularities, chaos or dishonest means
are found out, stern action will continue against those persons whoever they
might be, even if they’re my party men,” she said.
The prime minister was addressing an expatriate civic reception accorded
to her by the US Awami League at Hotel Marriott Marquis here on Saturday
afternoon.
Sheikh Hasina said it becomes very difficult for the people and their
children to lead an honest life when the society is crippled by persons who
earned money through dishonest means.
She said those who want to lead an honest life have to move with some
limitations. “But those who lead a lavish life through the money earned by
dishonest means always use this and that brands and create a chaotic
situation,” she said
The prime minister said living and livelihood of the people who want to
lead life honestly have become difficult in the dominance of the dishonest
people.
She said a question is naturally arisen in the minds of the children of
the honest people that why their families cannot lead a luxurious life like
the children of dishonest people. “Naturally this thinking pushes the people
towards a dishonest way,” she said.
Referring to irregularities in development schemes, Sheikh Hasina said the
government is undertaking massive uplift schemes. “Bangladesh would have been
developed further if every single taka of the projects had been spent
properly,” she said.
“Now I’ve to find out where are the loopholes and lapses while who is
affecting this place and how,” she said.
The prime minister said she asked for looking into another thing that
whose earnings are what and how they lead life. “We’ve to found out it and
then we could protect our society and new generations by removing this menace
and unholy competition,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said the drive against the narcotics will also continue as it
destroys a family and country. “We’ll track down those involved in the drug
peddling,” she said.
The prime minister said: “We’ve increased the size of the budget seven
times. The size of the budget during the BNP-Jamaat regime was Tk 61,000
core. But we’ve been able of placing Tk 5,23,190 crore budget this year.”
Coming down hard on some people who are always critical of the government,
Sheikh Hasina said these people do not feel comfort when the development of
the country is made. “They always lodge complaints to the foreigners against
the government and country out of jealousy,” she said.
About the BNP’s debacle in the last general elections, the prime minister
said the BNP was not sincere in the election rather the party was engaged in
nomination trade.
Sheikh Hasina, also the Awami League president, said the people of the
country kept confidence and trust in her party as they know the country will
be developed and their lot will be changed if Awami League remains in power.
She also posed a question that why the people will cast vote for BNP which
made the party chairman a convict?.
The prime minister said Khaleda Zia’s one son was convicted for laundering
money, while her another son was detained while going to play casino in
Singapore.
Sheikh Hasina said the people’s strength is the biggest strength and Awami
League believes in the people’s strength. “Awami League came to power with
the strength of the people,” she said.
Highlighting the country’s tremendous development in different sectors, the
premier said the grassroots people are being mostly benefitted from this
uplift.
About taking foreign loan, the prime minister said her government is taking
steps carefully so that the country is not affected due to taking this loan.
Pointing out her government’s steps for the welfare of the expatriates,
Sheikh Hasina said her government gave permission of establishing three NRB
banks.
In this connection, she urged bank authorities to take initiatives so that
expatriates are attracted to invest in the country. “We’ve also taken steps
so that expatriates can send money through legal channels,” she said.
The prime minister said the government has purchased 10 aircraft from
Boeing company. “Discussion is underway to resume Dhaka-New York flight and
we’ve already improved our airport security in this regard,” she said.
Referring to opening of embassies and consulate offices in different
places, Sheikh Hasina said a consulate office will be opened in Florida.
The premier said her government wants to present a better and beautiful
life to the people of Bangladesh by eliminating terrorism, militancy,
corruption and drugs which the Father of the Nation had dreamt.
“Bangladesh will be prosperous and developed country in the world and
hunger and poverty-free Sonar Bangla as dreamt by Bangabandhu,” she hoped.
Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Masud Bin Momen
delivered the welcome address, while Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen was
present on the dais.
At the outset of the speech, a minute’s silence was observed as a mark of
profound respect to the martyrs of the language movement, liberation war,
Bangabandhu and other martyrs of the August 15 carnage and four national
leaders.