PM defends ‘unprecedented’ security measures before BNP rally
Dhaka, Mar 15 (UNB) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday defended the ‘unprecedented’ security measures taken by the government ahead of BNP’s grand rally saying that it was done to ensure security of the mass people.
Hasina, also President of the ruling Awami League, said this at a meeting with her party’s grassroots leaders from Khulna as part of her ongoing views- exchange meetings at her official residence Ganobhaban.
“We’re deeply concerned whether BNP-Jamaat would do the same thing what they did on the early morning of December 18. That’s why we had taken various security steps in the interest of the mass people,” she said adding, “Yes, we were aware that people suffered various problems (because of the security measures).”
Awami League Central Working Committee members, leaders of Khulna district AL, district-level leaders of AL associate bodies, local MPs, party-backed upazila chairmen and vice-chairmen in the district, and party leaders of upazila, municipality and union units attended the meeting.
Hasina said: “A question was raised by some quarters why the government had taken such measurers – was it to obstruct people from coming and joining the opposition’s grand rally?”
“Had there been bombings and killings in Dhaka like that of December 18 last year, then what the people would say? Wouldn’t they blame the government for its failure to ensure the security for the mass people,” she questioned.
The Prime Minister claimed that the government had not obstructed people from entering the city for joining the grand rally. “There were processions… they came to join the grand rally, we didn’t restrict them. They came and joined it freely.”
The Prime Minister said their main concern was to avert any situation like that of December 18, 2011. “We didn’t put restriction on the meeting.”
Hasina mentioned: “When the Awami League was in the opposition, BNP-Jamaat government had not allowed them (AL) to bring out processions. We always had to face police before bringing out any procession.”
Reiterating that the government wants to give democracy a firm footing, she said, “We want to ensure a democratic system in the country.”
The Prime Minister said the next general election will be held in a manner as held in countries that practice the parliamentary form of government.
Hasina, also President of the ruling Awami League, said this at a meeting with her party’s grassroots leaders from Khulna as part of her ongoing views- exchange meetings at her official residence Ganobhaban.
“We’re deeply concerned whether BNP-Jamaat would do the same thing what they did on the early morning of December 18. That’s why we had taken various security steps in the interest of the mass people,” she said adding, “Yes, we were aware that people suffered various problems (because of the security measures).”
Awami League Central Working Committee members, leaders of Khulna district AL, district-level leaders of AL associate bodies, local MPs, party-backed upazila chairmen and vice-chairmen in the district, and party leaders of upazila, municipality and union units attended the meeting.
Hasina said: “A question was raised by some quarters why the government had taken such measurers – was it to obstruct people from coming and joining the opposition’s grand rally?”
“Had there been bombings and killings in Dhaka like that of December 18 last year, then what the people would say? Wouldn’t they blame the government for its failure to ensure the security for the mass people,” she questioned.
The Prime Minister claimed that the government had not obstructed people from entering the city for joining the grand rally. “There were processions… they came to join the grand rally, we didn’t restrict them. They came and joined it freely.”
The Prime Minister said their main concern was to avert any situation like that of December 18, 2011. “We didn’t put restriction on the meeting.”
Hasina mentioned: “When the Awami League was in the opposition, BNP-Jamaat government had not allowed them (AL) to bring out processions. We always had to face police before bringing out any procession.”
Reiterating that the government wants to give democracy a firm footing, she said, “We want to ensure a democratic system in the country.”
The Prime Minister said the next general election will be held in a manner as held in countries that practice the parliamentary form of government.
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