The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Prime Minister-designate Sheikh Hasina last night said incidents of torture by BNP-Jamaat supporters on Awami League leaders and workers after the 2001 general election and cases filed at that time would be reinvestigated and legal actions taken against the perpetrators.

During a video conference from her Sudhasadan residence with members of Chhatra League on the occasion of its 61st founding anniversary, Hasina said the perpetrators of BNP and Jamaat suffered a kind of punishment through December 29 elections as they were rejected by the people.

"People gave an appropriate reply to those who committed corruption and terrorism," she said, apparently to pacify those trying for reprisals.

Hasina urged the members of the Chhatra League to hold patience and establish the politics of tolerance and cooperation as they recalled the stories of torture and repression on them by the BNP-Jamaat activists after the 2001 elections.

She assured that her government would look into false cases filed against them during the BNP-Jamaat alliance government.

"Change the culture of politics," she said, adding that she announced the Vision 2021 relying on the members of the Chhatra League. "Don't follow tit-for-tat policy."

Hasina advised them to build them as good citizens by educating themselves.

She planned such videoconferencing with cross-sections of people one a day after forming the government to know their problems and find solutions.

Awami League presidium member Begum Matia Chowdhury was beside Hasina. BCL president Mahmud Hasan Ripon and general secretary Mofazzal Haider Chowdhury Roton promised that they would restore discipline and peaceful political atmosphere.