Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina: Stern action for attacking Hindus

‘There are very few countries in the world which see such turnout in the polls’

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia not to anguish the people of the country.

She also warned the opposition of taking stern action for attacking the minority Hindus after the elections.

“As she [Khaleda] has failed to stop the polls through violent activities, she will not be able to do anything,” said Hasina while addressing a meeting of the Awami League-led 14-party alliance at Ganabhaban.

“Failing to resist the polls, the BNP-Jamaat has started to attack the minorities at different places across the country and setting their houses on fire. They have to stop these, otherwise stern action will be taken against them,” she said.

The premier said the joint forces had been working to arrest the miscreants responsible for the attacks. She said it was the responsibility of the government to save lives and property of the countrymen.

Hasina expressed satisfaction over the voter turnout on Sunday’s polls – around 40%. “There are very few countries in the world which see such turnout in the polls,” she said thanking the people for casting their votes.

Criticising the opposition, Hasina said the BNP-Jamaat had wanted to destroy democracy by creating constitutional crisis, but the people of the country thwarted their wishes.

At the same time, the premier said the door for dialogue to reach a consensus over the next polls. “Severe ties with Jamaat and discussions will be held,” she said.

Source: Dhaka Tribune