Democracy will not flourish if we listen to them: PM

She said Bangladesh’s civil society had endorsed military dictators who hijacked democracy several times after the 1975 political changeover and warned all of similar signs now.“Why must I listen to those who can’t even stage a simple election? … Democracy will not flourish if we listen to them. The country will not move forward.”
She was speaking at a programme organised to commemorate the 40th anniversary of independence architect Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman winning the Joliot-Curie Medal of Peace at Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Thursday.

Hasina asked Why would we listen to failures?
She also mentioned that people were entitled to democracy. “Military dictators had snatched away that right and privilege several times after 1975. Some educated and scholarly members of the civil society had provided them support.”
“We are witnessing such symptoms in the country now,” she added.
The general elections will take place under the current government since the 15th Amendment to the constitution removed the provision to hold elections under a non-partisan caretaker government.
The opposition BNP has been strongly opposing this move, saying it will not contest in the polls if the provision for neutral election-time government is not returned to ensure a free and credible balloting.
Foreign diplomats and businesses have been piling pressure on the two main political parties to sit for a dialogue to end the political impasse.
Hasina has already extended talks offer to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and agreed to an all-party polls-time cabinet. But BNP has been adamant on its demand for a caretaker government saying it will not sit for talks unless its demand is fulfilled.
Hasina asked people to compare the first two years of the previous army-backed caretaker government– which was originally authorised to remain in power for three months– with the two years of her government’s tenure.
“We had to overcome a lot of challenges. The army-endorsed caretaker government did not face these troubles. There were no politics at that time.”
“Why did it fail? What did it do for the people?” asked the Prime Minister.
She emphasised that the government must be headed by politicians. “We know how to keep democracy functioning… We want the country to be in peace by ending conflicts.”
Bangladesh did not achieve anything during the time of the 2007-8 ‘unconstitutional government’, she added.
The nation witnessed one of the most ‘remarkable events’ in its history in 2007, when a military-backed caretaker government took over power with then President Iajuddin Ahmed proclaiming a state of emergency amid political standoff between the Awami League and the BNP.
She talked about the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord in 1997, the long-term Ganges Water Treaty in 1996 and Bangladesh’s historic victory at the UN maritime tribunal against Myanmar to secure its territorial and economic rights to the vast Bay of Bengal resources.
She said, “I believe any issue with neighbours can be peacefully resolved through discussions.”
Hasina said Bangabandhu’s mottos – ‘Friendship to all, malice to none’ and ‘Peaceful resolution to all conflicts’ – have been adapted in the government’s foreign policies.
“We see the reflections of these ideals in all his doings”, added the Hasina, the eldest daughter of the founding father.
“We have built a strong foundation for our non-communal, democratic and progressive ideals. Our tough resolve to maintain law and order has helped us resolve issues with our neighbours. Our participation in UN peace missions is rested on this very principle.”
About her father winning the Juliot-Curie Medal of Peace in 1973, she said, ‘This is an international recognition of his contribution to establish world peace. Bangladesh’s first international recognition.”
Hasina expressed her gratitude to the World Peace Council for extending support to the people of Bangladesh during its Liberation War.
They also raised their voices when Bangabandhu was brutally assassinated on Aug 15, 1975, she added.
Source:bdnews24

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