Shahabuddin for present spree of democracy and dev to continue

President Md. Shahabuddin having an exchange of opinion at the Pabna Press Club on Tuesday.

Pabna, May 16: President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday said all political parties should work for continued development of the country.

Everyone will make an effective contribution to the country's development from their respective positions, the President hoped, while addressing a mass reception accorded to him at Pabna Edward College Ground here this afternoon.

Urging all the political parties of the country to continue the present spree of democracy and development, he said democracy and development must continue in the country 

"There might be problems but it is possible to solve those through amicable discussion," he also said. 

Noting that the upcoming general election is very crucial for democratic practice, the Head of State called upon the political parties to analyze the comparative development that took place over the last 14 years in the country and make their choice in the next polls. 

"Holding a national poll is a must to change the government .And if there is any problem, it should be resolved through discussion," he added. 

The valiant freedom fighter Shahabuddin said, "We got a constitution by dint of many sacrifices through the Great Liberation War. After the assassination of Bangabandhu in 1975, this constitution had been changed many times".

"Democracy and the non-communal spirit of Bangladesh had been killed. There had been an attempt to introduce a Pakistani style Constitution. Later, Sheikh Hasina came to power, the Constitution was restored in its place," he said. 

Referring to the so-called widespread corruption in Padma Bridge prior to starting of its construction, the President, who was the ACC commissioner then, said there was no corruption in Padma Bridge but in two particular newspapers reported the corruption on the Padma Bridge.

After this news, the President said, all donor agencies, including the World Bank, withdrew their promised money, although later they wanted to finance again conditionally. 

"As Commissioner of the anti-graft body, I have proved that there was no corruption in Padma Bridge," he mentioned. 

The President said based on his report, the World Bank's complaint was proved false in the Canadian court. 

He criticized some so-called economists and said they apprehended that Bangladesh would be like Sri Lanka, but it did not happen because of the visionary and efficient leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Bangabandhu. 

Referring to tremendous development in different sectors, including ICT, infrastructure and electricity, he said the development trend is now acclaimed worldwide as a "role model of development".

The President said under the leadership of Bangabandhu's privileged daughter Prime Minister, Bangladesh has already graduated to the status of a developing country from a least developed country.

Inhabitants of Pabna from all walks of life joined the reception. Various organizations of the district and distinguished persons of all classes and professions greeted the President with flowers. 

The President Shahabuddin expressed gratitude and thanked the people of Pabna for showing love and respect by organizing this historic event. He sought prayers and cooperation of the countrymen, including the people of Pabna, so that he could do his job properly.

Former student leader Shahabuddin said, "Bangabandhu is my ideal of doing politics as a charismatic leader." 

The Father of the Nation envisioned establishing a hunger and poverty free Sonar Bangla, but on August 15, 1975, the anti-liberation vested quarter stopped the progress of the country by brutally killing Bangabandhu and his family members, he said.

"I was arrested on August 20, 1975 for leading a protest procession against the brutal killing of the Father of the Nation. The inhumane torture lasted for three months in the army camp," he mentioned.

The President said, "I never thought that I would be the President of the country." - UNB