Dhaka, July 26– Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina clarified her stance on recent controversies and called for the public's cooperation in identifying and bringing to justice those responsible for the violence during the quota reform movement. During her visit to the Bangladesh Television (BTV) building on Friday, which had been damaged by the rampage, she addressed the media to set the record straight and appeal for national unity.
Sheikh Hasina denied labeling students as "Razakar," a term for collaborators during the 1971 Liberation War. She stated that her words had been distorted and explained her actual statement. "I asked if the children of freedom fighters are not talented. Does this mean only the children of Razakars are talented?" she said, emphasizing that students had themselves introduced slogans calling themselves Razakars.
The Prime Minister also condemned the violent attacks that targeted various infrastructures, including the BTV building and the Metrorail. She highlighted that these acts were unprecedented and damaging to the country's image. She appealed to the citizens to assist in identifying and punishing those responsible for such destructive activities.
She addressed the demands of the students protesting the quota system, stating that the government had already accepted their demands and issued notifications accordingly. Despite these efforts, the protests continued, leading to the recent violence. Hasina emphasized the importance of adhering to the law and following due process.
Reiterating the government's commitment to justice, Sheikh Hasina assured that every murder and act of violence would be investigated. She pointed out the historical pattern of violence associated with BNP-Jamaat, accusing them of being behind the current unrest.
The Prime Minister's visit to BTV was marked by an emotional appeal to the nation, stressing the need for cooperation and vigilance against misinformation. She called for a collective effort to rebuild and maintain the country's progress and reputation on the global stage.
Accompanying the Prime Minister during her visit were State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Cabinet Secretary Md. Mahbub Hossain, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Mohammad Tofazzal Hossain Mia, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Dr. Humayun Kabir Khandkar, and Prime Minister's speech writer M. Nazrul Islam.
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