Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday reiterated her government’s stance to pursue “zero tolerance” policy against militancy, terrorism and drugs, saying that they want to build a developed and prosperous country envisioned by the Father of the Nation by ensuring peace and security of the countrymen.
“We have declared “zero tolerance” policy against militancy, terrorism, repression on women and drugs as we want to ensure peace and security of the people of the country aimed at building a developed and prosperous Bangladesh,” she said.
The premier was presiding over a two-day programme titled “The Greatest Hero of the Glorious Victory” marking celebration of the Mujib Borsho coinciding with the 50 years of victory of the Liberation War.
The National Implementation Committee for celebration of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Birth Centenary, Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat organized the programme with the theme “Great Hero of the Great Victory” at the South Plaza of the parliament here this afternoon.
President M Abdul Hamid and Indian President Ram Nath Kovind also spoke on the occasion as the chief guest and the guest of honour respectively.
Sheikh Hasina extended her gratitude to the visiting Indian President as he attended the celebration of 50 years of victory of Liberation War, saying, “Honorable Indian President Ram Nath Kovind joined us at the day of glory as the guest of honour. I convey my gratitude to him.”
On his arrival at the venue, the Indian President was received by President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Younger daughter of Bangabandhu and PM’s younger sister Sheikh Rehana was present on the dais, while Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozzammel Haque and Chief Coordinator of the National Implementation Committee for Celebration of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Birth Centenary Celebration Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury also spoke on the occasion.
The premier described the 50 years celebration of the victory and birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as not only a mere festival but also a way to materialize the dream of Bangabandhu to build a prosperous and developed Bangladesh to be freed from hunger and poverty.
Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh is a secular state and the people of all faiths in the country can perform their religious rituals with equal rights.
“We have already ensured performing of religious rituals by the people of all faiths with equal rights,” she added.
The prime minister said that her government has been continuing the wheels of the country’s economy following the foreign policy adopted by Bangabandhu, “Friendship to all, malice to none.”
In the function, Sheikh Rehana handed over ‘Eternal Mujib Memorabilia’ to the Indian President.
The cover of a memorial book titled ‘Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Birth Centenary Volume’ was also unveiled. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina edited the book published both in Bengali and English marking the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation.
