The New Nation - Internet Edition

Pankaj Karmakar from Dinajpur

Former prime minister and Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina at a rally in Dinajpur yesterday alleged that Khaleda Zia was conspiring to leave the election race through propagating a rumour of bomb attack on her.

The AL president also referred to Khaleda as a patron of terrorism and the mother of terrorists. "The incident of bomb attack occurred 7 km from Khaleda's rally venue. It had no connection with the rally. Seeing the surge of boat she is fanning the rumour and trying to run away from the election battle ground," she said.

"Who will kill persons who are themselves the root of terrorism and patrons of terrorists," said Hasina pointing at the 4-party alliance.

The AL chief said this at the rally at the martyrs' ground in Dinajpur.

She said BNP nominated patrons of terrorists and killers in different constituencies of the country. BNP nominated the brother of Abdus Salam Pintu accused of 21st August grenade attack from Tangail and the bother of killer Ahsanullah master from Gazipur.

She introduced Monoranjan Shel Gopal for Dinajpur-1, Khaled Mahmud Chowdhury for Dinajpur-2, Iqbalur Rahim for Dinajpur-3, AHM Mahbubur Rahman for Dinajpur-4 and Mostafizur Rahman for Dinajpur-5 on the day. She supported both AL and Jatiya Party (JP) candidates for Dinajpur-6.

Hasina introduced Azizul Haq Chowdhury as AL and Delwar Hossain as JP candidates.

Hasina left her residence for the rallies at 7:40am. She first arrived at Peergacha of Rangpur, the home of her father-in-law late Abdul Kader Mia. She visited the graves of her in laws and then attended the rally.

Addressing the audience Hasina said, " I am a daughter in law of Rangpur. My respectability depends on the victory in the upcoming polls. I am handing over that responsibility to you."

AL President promised to exploit the mineral resources of Rangpur for their benefit if voted to power. By ensuring food security we would resolve the Manga problem.

"December is the month of victory. The election on December 29 will bring another victory and that will be the victory of democracy," she said.

She promised to double the old age, widow and freedom fighter's pensions. Fertiliser would be sold in the open market and subsidy would be given in agriculture. Labours would be given proper wages, she assured the audience.

Hasina claimed that during her government the private sector was given more priority. Banks were privatised and the licences of private TV channels were approved.

"Though my family members were killed, I did not give up politics. Because I love my country and its people. That is why I am in politics," the daughter of late Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib said.

She said though Rangpur would be turned into a division, the education board would be in Dinajpur. The Wheat Research Centre will be transformed into Wheat Research Institute if voted to power.

On her way to Dinajpur, Hasina participated in roadside rallies at different places- Sirajganj-2, Bogra-5, Bogra-6 and Gaibandha-4.