Democracy returned with Sheikh Hasina's homecoming: Hasan

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Tuesday said the homecoming of Sheikh Hasina on May 17 in 1981 was not only the return of Bangabandhu's daughter but also the return of democracy and the spirit of the liberation.

"Bangladesh has been changed under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The fate of every people has changed in the last 13 years. But, a vested group is hatching conspiracy and BNP-Jamaat is trying to create anarchy as they cannot tolerate the unprecedented development and progress," he said.

The minister stated this while addressing a discussion organized by Awami League marking the historical 42nd Homecoming Day of Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in city's Agargaon.

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader gave welcome address with AL Presidium Member Begum Matia Chowdhury in the chair. AL national leaders and eminent intellectuals also addressed the discussion.

Hasan said, "We are not in the field now. But we will be in the field and resist them if any anarchic situation is created."

He said Bangladesh has turned into a middle-income country due to pragmatic steps taken by the premier and the country has now become a food surplus country from food-deficit one. The country has been raised to a new height under the supervision of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he added.

But, he said, BNP-Jamaat, their collaborators and some so-called intellectuals do not like the development and progress. For this, they could not hail the progress while the global community is hailing the development, said Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary.

Criticizing the comments of BNP leaders over Padma Bridge, the minister said the bridge has been completed and the countrymen are eagerly waiting for its inauguration by the Prime Minister.

"Now we are thinking whether the BNP leaders would cross the Padma Bridge or cross the river by the 'Boat' of Awami League. They can go on the bridge by seeking apology from the countrymen. And we want that you use the Padma Bridge," he added.