Have faith in AL government, Hasina says in the wake of deadly Dhaka siege

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has appealed to Bangladeshis to keep faith in her government after a deadly hostage crisis at the heart of Dhaka’s diplomatic zone.

Conspiracies against Bangladesh will be combated at any cost, she said in an address to the nation televised live on Saturday evening. 

“Have faith in us,” she said. “The sovereignty of Bangladesh won with the blood of our martyrs will not be compromised,” the prime minister said following the first incident of hostage-taking in Bangladesh.

“You know armed terrorists attacked a restaurant in Gulshan last night. They took the unarmed civilians there hostage and started killing them.” 

Conspirators both foreign and local are trying to destroy Bangladesh’s attempt to establish itself on the world scene, Hasina said, appearing in a sombre mood.

“They have chosen the paths of terror. They are using religion to brainwash tender youths, pushing them towards danger, arming them to kill.” 

“This hostage-taking was an attempt to portray to the world that we are a failed country.”    

Hasina thanked world leaders for their show of solidarity with Bangladesh during those dark hours.

She also thanked the security forces for the successful operation to rescue the hostages.

The prime minister said 13 hostages were saved and six of the attackers were killed during the raid.

Hasina urged all to unite against terrorism. 

“This is my call to the guardians – please educate your children and watch them so that they do not get derailed,” she said.

“Those who have already taken the wrong path, please return and uphold the honour of Islam,” she added.     

Hasina also vowed to eliminate terrorism from Bangladesh and make it a peaceful country.