Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday warned against any sort of anarchy and vandalism in the name of movement, saying her government will not tolerate destructive activities.
Referring to the street protests by BNP-Jamaat and their allies the premier said, "Let them do their agitation programmes."
"But if they again start arson terrorism, destructive activities, if any one engages in criminal activities, we will not spare them, and that's the reality,” she declared.
The PM was addressing a Lawyers’ Grand Rally organised by Bangabandhu Awami Ainjibi Parishad at historic Suhrawardy Udyan after inaugurating the newly constructed 15-storey building of Bangladesh Bar Council.
She said in the 29 years from 1975-1996 and 2001-2008 the people of Bangladesh saw no change for their betterment.
“Those in power were busy to change their own fate. They did nothing for the people of the country. The people's condition started improving only after Awami League came to power ,” she said.
Hasina, also the chief of ruling Awami League, said that she never does politics for her own gain.
“I do politics for the welfare of the people of this country,” she said.
Hasina asked the lawyers to take prompt measures for quick disposal of the cases regarding the arson terrorism from 2013-15.
“In the name of movement over 500 people including 29 police personnel were burned to death and 3225 suffered burn injuries,” she said.
She mentioned that if these culprits don't get punishment for their misdeeds they will be encouraged.
“Many of them who were underground, have now been attending BNP's rallies taking the advantage of their movement. The BNP-Jamaat men who were involved in the arson terrorism must have to face trial in Bangladesh. Take measures to hold trials against them" she said.
The prime minister said the culprits must be exposed to punishment, otherwise a culture of impunity will reign in the country again.
"We the people who have lost their near and dear ones know well the pain of losing own people," she said.
The PM questioned that why the culprits won't face quick trial.
“You must pay attention to that.”
In this regard, she asked the lawyers to make sure that these culprits get proper punishment.
She also said military dictator Ziaur Rahman had killed hundreds of freedom fighter military officials in the name of farcical trials.
Hasina said that there must be an end to the absence of justice. "Let us ensure that people get their justice."
“It is our aim that people of the country will get justice, and will have their legal assistance,” she said.
She also called for keeping vigil so that there must not be any hindrance in establishing rule of law in the country.
Hasina said that she returned to the country in 1981 to free the people from oppression and deprivation and upgrade their lives.
She announced a contribution of Tk 30 crore from the Prime Minister's Welfare Fund to the Bar Council's Benevolent Fund.
Convener of Bangabandhu Awami Ainjibi Parishad Advocate Yusuf Hossain Humayun, member secretary of Bangabandhu Awami Ainjibi Parishad Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, Bangladesh Bar Council chairman Abu Mohammad Ami Uddin, Vice-Chairman Syed Rezaur Rahman, Legal Affairs Secretary Advocate Najibullah Hiru and Law and Justice Division Secretary Md Golam Sarwar also spoke at the rally.
The prime minister unveiled the cover of a book titled ‘ Bangabandhu’s Legal Philosophy’ published by the Law Ministry.
A video documentary on various features of the newly opened Bangladesh Bar Council building was screened at the programme.
The PM also witnessed a cultural programme organised by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.