The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday called upon the Awami League (AL) leaders and activists to dedicate themselves for the welfare of the people by serving them instead of gaining personal interest.

"The people have overwhelmingly voted us to power through the December 29 elections. So we have a lot of duties and responsibilities to them. We must uphold the trust reposed in us by the people," she said.

Hasina made this remark while addressing party leaders and activists at a discussion meeting at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center to mark Bangabanshu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Homecoming day.

She reminded that a group always belongs to government party by changing their colours. She alerted all, including her party leaders and activists, to remain alert about such evil circles of turncoat.

Referring to her election pledges the Prime Minister said, "We will have to fulfill our commitment to the people at the cost highest amount of sacrifice whatever difficult task it is."

"We have got the opportunity to serve the people getting over innumerable hurdles," she said with firm optimism that if all could work sincerely, the Awami League government will succeed in implementing the pledges made to the people.

Hasina also reiterated that a balanced development throughout the country would be ensured disregarding who voted for the grand alliance and who did not.

Hasina expressed her determination to establish Bangladesh as a non-communal and democratic country imbued with the spirit of Bangladesh's founding father, Bangabandhu Mujib.

AL presidium members, Sheikh Hasina's cabinet members and a number of central leaders and activists were present in the meeting.

Earlier Sheikh Hasina paid floral tribute at the grave of her father and AL founder, first as the head of government and then as the party chief along with her ministers, lawmakers and party leaders.