The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Awami League (AL) president Sheikh Hasina yesterday called upon the people of all walks of life to work together to implement the vision-2021 and to eradicate poverty terming it the major enemy of the countrymen.

She also vowed to turn Bangladesh into a prosperous, peaceful, modern and information technology based digital country in the South Asia and also ensure rule of law and good governance in the country.

Hasina made this remark while addressing her first press conference at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center after achieving landslide victory in the December 29 parliamentary election.

Hasina also pledged to punish the war criminals under the legal framework and form South Asian regional task force to address terrorism.

Describing poverty as the key problem of the country, she said it will be our prime duty to eradicate it from the country." We must have to control the price spiral of daily commodities for improving the standard of life of the people. For this we will have to work hard and dedicate ourselves to the task of building sonar Bangla in the spirit of the liberation war" she noted.

She regretted that though 38 years have elapsed since the independence of the country the people are yet to enjoy the fruits of independence. The real freedom will achieved when we would be able to stamp out poverty, ensure rule of law, good governance, human rights and implement the dream of 30 lakhs martyred for Sonar Bangla, she said.

Replying to question, she saind "We do not believe in politics of revenge. We want to give up the politics of violence. We want to present the nation a a political culture of new dimension."

Hasina sought support of the opposition parties to conduct the affairs of the state properly saying that the opposition parties have also to play important role in running the country. " AL will never treat them on the basis of quantity rather on the basis of quality. Their positive and constructive criticism and advice would make the parliament effective," she added.

She also promised to select the Deputy Speaker and Chairman of standing committee of different ministries from the opposition parties proportionate of seats the they have won in the election.

The AL chief thanked the young voters for helping her party to win victory in the just concluded election noting that the youths are the future leader of the country.

She expressed the hope that the youth will play pioneering role for achieving economic freedom of the people, upholding the democratic political spirit and to making a prosperous and educated Bangladesh.

Hasina expressed her gratitude to the people who participated in the polls. " We also respect the people who took part in the election but did not vote for us in the Monday's election, she said.

She thanked the people of different professions such as teachers, doctors, economists, political scientists, engineers and journalists for their contribution in holding the elections in free and fair manner.

Hasina expressed gratitude to the Caretaker Government and the Election Commission (EC) for presenting such a fair and non-partial election to the nation.

She thanked the army for providing support to the EC for preparing an authentic voter list and ID cards with photos, which was a prerequisite for holding a fair election.

She thanked the police force, law enforcement agencies and administrative officers for maintaining the law and order before the elections.

Her thanks also went to the international community for helping the Caretaker Government and the EC for holding the parliamentary elections in a fair manner.

The women of the country also came in for her lavish praise at the press conference for electing her party to power and vowed to uphold their dignity.

Hasina urged the party leaders and activists to be refrain from any violence saying in the past we were the victims of brutal attacks. Now that we have achieved victory we must shun the path of retaliation, she said.

She said in clear terms that they will not abuse power but serve the people Sincerely

To a question question about the rejection of the election results by BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, she said, "Khaleda should accept the people's verdict."

Asked whether she would offer greetings to her arch political rival Khaleda Zia Hasina said, " if I send greetings to her she might take otherwise, but I am offering my greetings to her through media."

Replying to another question of an allegation of using the soil of Bangladesh by the militants and terrorists against India, she said, "Bangladesh's soil can never be used by any terrorist outfits against any country. While in power (1996-2001) we took a strong position against terrorism and we will maintain that. We want to see Bangladesh as a peaceful nation in South Asia."

Asked if she would play any role in defusing tensions between India and Pakistan, Hasina said the two next-door neighbors should have good relationship and all countries in South Asia should make joint efforts to alleviate poverty and people's sufferings.

Hasina said, "I will take initiative, if necessary. Bangladesh is a small country. I will try my best to restore peace and friendly relations-that's our main aim."

In reply to a question Hasina sought the release of Myanmar's democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, from prolonged internment and friendly relations with all neighboring countries.

"I had also been in prison for restoration of democracy in my country and she should not be in prison. We demand release of Suu Kyi," she said.

Hasina in an unambiguous term that her government would maintain friendly relations with China, the present world's fastest-growing economic power house, and seek Chinese investment in Bangladesh.