Hasina says popular faith in her government is visible

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said the lack of response to an anti-government movement is proof of people’s faith in her government.

She told Parliament on Wednesday that people’s “faith and confidence” were the government’s important source of strength.

“I can say - with Allah’s blessings - people’s faith and confidence are still there in our government.”

She said without naming anyone that some parties were unable to muster public support despite giving repeated calls for a movement to overthrow the government. “This proves people have full confidence and faith in us.”

The BNP, which boycotted the Jan 5 national election, has been for the past six months threatening to launch a movement for fresh polls under a non-party government.

Its chief Khaleda Zia has held several rallies in various parts of the country to press this demand.

Hasina said the people believed only her government could ensure progress.

“They know that a party that has made sacrifices for the country, suffered oppression and imprisonment, would work for well-being of the people if in power.”

She said her government was working towards specific goals to develop Bangladesh. “A directionless sailor never reaches his destination. We are moving in a defined direction. For that we have to win people’s faith and confidence.”

She said she sought the cooperation from MPs and people to enable her government to achieve its goal.

The parliament session began around 4pm with Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair.

In reply to a question by independent MP Md Rustum Ali Farazi, the prime minister said Bangladesh’s victory in international forums such as the CPA and the IPU was a rare feat, indicating the country’s increasingly good relations with the international community.

“The victories have made it clear that the (they) have complete confidence in us,” she added.