Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina on Friday vowed to build a happy, prosperous and Smart Bangladesh by changing the fate of the countrymen.
"Let's take an oath on Awami League's founding anniversary occasion to build a happy, prosperous and Smart Bangladesh by changing the fate of the countrymen as dreamt by the Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman," she said.
She made the remarks after paying homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, on Awami League's 74th founding anniversary, by placing a wreath at his portrait at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi-32 this morning.
The prime minister urged the countrymen and her party leaders and activists to remain alert about the terrorist organisations BNP and Jamaat as they are out to destroy Bangladesh.
"BNP-Jamaat does not believe in the independence of the country. They will destroy the country. So, I urge you all to remain alert against the parties."
Outlining the massive socio-economic development of the country, she said, "The fortune of the countrymen is changed whenever Awami League is in power."
Sheikh Hasina said the countrymen voted Awami League to power by casting their votes for its election symbol "Boat" in 2008, 2014 and 2018 polls and Awami League has made massive developments in Bangladesh in the last 14 and a half years since 2009.
"During the period of 2009-2023, we have reduced poverty rate to 18 per cent from 41 per cent while hardcore poverty rate decreased to five per cent from over 25 per cent."
The literacy rate has increased while the mortality rate of the mother and children has decreased and the life expectancy rate of the countrymen has also increased, she said.
The prime minister continued that Awami League has made the country self-sufficient in food production, reached electricity and healthcare services at every doorstep, ensured socio-economic advancement at the grassroots level, turned the country into a Digital Bangladesh and reached internet connection in the rural areas.
"The country will be developed further if Awami League stays in power. The party will transform the country into a Smart Bangladesh by 2041."
Bangladesh has been playing a pivotal role in every sector including agriculture, science and health and thus achieved dignity on the world stage.
"The world which earlier showed sympathy to Bangladesh now honours Bangladesh. This honour was achieved by Awami League."
She said Bangladesh has become a role model for development by constructing the Padma Bridge with its own finance.
The prime minister said Awami League has been struggling for establishing people's rights since its inception on June 23 in 1949. "Awami League is the only party which thinks for the welfare of the people," she added.
