Sunnews Desk: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that her government has tackled all sorts of conspiracies and brought the country to a position to be respected by the world, while fugitive accused Tareq Rahman is conspiring against the progress of Bangladesh.

Attending a civic reception here on Saturday (November 13th), Virtual called on expatriate Bangladeshis to invest in Bangladesh's 100 special economic zones.

She said Tareq Rahman, the fugitive accused in the August 21 grenade attack case and the recovery of 10 trucks of arms, was staying abroad and continuing the conspiracy. Expatriate Bangladeshis living in different countries of Europe including France took part in the reception. The Prime Minister said, "We have been able to take the country forward by tackling all kinds of conspiracies."

Sheikh Hasina said they have been able to turn Bangladesh into a developing country by following in the footsteps of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. 'So, from now on no one can ignore us. The world must respect us because we have brought our country to such a position,' she added.

The Prime Minister said her government had to face many obstacles and conspiracies like the BNP-Jamaat alliance's arson, attack on her for killing her to bring the country to where it is today.

Sheikh Hasina said after taking charge after 21 years, they are working for the development of the country and the people, whereas in the past BNP-Jamaat clique has created its own destiny by introducing a culture of corruption and default.

Mentioning that his government has created 100 special economic zones in Bangladesh, the Prime Minister called upon the expatriate Bangladeshis to invest in these zones.
Expatriates will be given special benefits if they invest in these economic zones, she added.

Referring to the contribution of expatriates in the development of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said that expatriate Bangladeshis were by the side of the people in all democratic movements and struggles in the past. The Prime Minister highlighted the various initiatives taken by her government to keep the wheel of the country's economy afloat by tackling the Covid-19 pandemic with success and to save lives and livelihoods.

"Everyone, including ordinary people, employees, teachers and students, are being vaccinated for free, which many developed countries have not been able to do," she said. The Prime Minister again called upon the people to wear masks to protect themselves from Corona.

Referring to the conspiracy against the country's largest project, the Padma Bridge, the Prime Minister said the World Bank has brought allegations of bribery. But in Canadian federal court, it proved unfounded. He said his government's firm stance on the construction of the Padma Bridge with the country's own funds has brightened Bangladesh's image abroad and enhanced its prestige.

Sheikh Hasina sharply criticized the misrule of the post-1975 governments, including the military dictator Ziaur Rahman, saying that they created an elite class in the society to retain power.

The Prime Minister said Ziaur Rahman killed hundreds of military officers in the name of justice. The families and relatives of the victims did not find their bodies. Ziaur Rahman's wife Begum Khaleda Zia was convicted in court for embezzling money from orphans. Their son Tareq Rahman was convicted in 10 truck arms cases and 21 August grenade attack cases.

He said Khaleda Zia's government fired a military officer. His crime was that he wanted to keep an unexploded grenade as evidence.