The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Awami League (AL) president Sheikh Hasina yesterday hoped that the New Year would bring happiness, progress and prosperity to the people of the country.

Hasina made this comment while addressing the leaders and activists of her party at her Sudah Sadan residence at greeting exchange ceremony on the first day of the year 2009.

"I wish, in the new year the people of the country as well as the world will get rid of terrorism and militancy, wish for restoration of peace and friendliness in the world. We believe in religious freedom of all the communities," Hasina said.

Hasina also urged the leaders and activists not to be over enthusiastic at the victory and said, " Be patient and keep quiet."

"Do not think to have extra benefit by abusing power. Rather think as to how to serve the people and pray for me so that I can dedicate myself for the welfare of the people," Hasina said.

AL presidium member Zillur Rahman, Suranjit Sengupta, Tofail Ahmed, Abdur Razzak Sheikh Selim, AL Dhaka City Unit acting general secretary Advocate Kamrul Islam, AL Organisinig Secretary Akhtaruzzaman, MP elect Dr Dipu Moni, among others, presented Hasina flourish greetings in the morning.

Meanwhile, hundreds of leaders and activists' waived hands to greet Hasina for the New Year standing outside her Sudha Sadan residence while Sheikh Hasina responded them from the corridor of the 1st floor of Sudha Sadan.

At the same time, replying to a question AL acting general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam replied that AL would take oath in this week.