Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, five-time Prime Minister and daughter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, delivered a heartfelt speech highlighting her government’s achievements and addressing the ongoing political and economic crisis in Bangladesh.
She emphasised her commitment to the poor and landless, food security, justice, and economic stability, urging citizens to unite against the current challenges.
Support for Landless and Homeless Communities
In an online meeting with affected Awami League leaders and activists, Sheikh Hasina recalled her initiative to provide free land and homes to landless and homeless families. These efforts gave thousands a new address, transforming their lives. She expressed deep sorrow over reports of evictions from these homes, calling it a grave injustice.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, when the global economy stalled, Sheikh Hasina ensured Bangladesh’s economy remained active through housing projects and other initiatives. By 2024, her government had reduced the poverty rate to 18% and the extreme poverty rate to 5%, a significant achievement.
Rising Poverty and Political Criticism
Sheikh Hasina noted with concern that poverty rates have risen under the current government, attributing this to its failures. She criticised Dr. Muhammad Yunus for allegedly spreading misinformation by claiming poverty has increased since 2022, despite 2024 data showing an 18.7% poverty rate. She challenged these claims, citing globally recognised data from the World Bank, IMF, and World Economic Forum.
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She accused the current administration of seizing power unlawfully, fostering political violence, and oppressing ordinary citizens, including rickshaw pullers, small traders, farmers, and workers. Sheikh Hasina described these actions as a threat to national peace.
Food Security and Social Welfare
Under her leadership, food production quadrupled, ensuring food security. Free rice was distributed to the poor, while subsidised rice was available at low prices (Tk10-15 per kg) for others. A family card system allowed 30 kg of rice at Tk30 per kg, but this program has been discontinued, affecting 4.3 million people. Sheikh Hasina emphasised that her policies were non-partisan, benefiting all poor citizens.
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During Covid-19, Awami League organisations, alongside police, army, BGB, and Ansar, supported vulnerable communities by sharing resources. In contrast, she alleged that the current government engages in looting, killings, and false lawsuits, creating widespread fear.
Shelter Projects and Social Programs
Through the Ashrayan Project, Sheikh Hasina provided free homes on government land. Where no such land was available, she established a fund, supported by the Bangabandhu Memorial Trust and corporate contributions, to purchase land and build homes. Interest-free loans and livelihood programs further empowered communities.
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She lamented that these homes and community clinics are now being occupied or destroyed, with illegal activities like drug dens replacing essential services like free medicine and maternity care.
Economic Decline and Public Struggles
Sheikh Hasina highlighted the economic downturn under the current regime. Economic growth, which reached 6.7-7% during her tenure, has fallen to 2%, and per capita income has declined. Ordinary workers, including rickshaw pullers and small traders, struggle to afford basic needs. The freelancing sector, once boasting 608,000 workers, has dwindled to 200,000. Visa bans by 25 countries reflect Bangladesh’s tarnished image as a hub of terrorism.
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She accused the current government of corruption, including money laundering and stock market irregularities, further destabilising the economy.
Political Violence and Terrorism
Referencing the assassination of Bangabandhu on August 15, Sheikh Hasina drew parallels to ongoing attacks on Awami League members, including brutal acts of violence. She called the current government a source of unrest rather than peace, citing the destruction of businesses and economic stagnation as evidence of its failures.
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Corruption and Social Degradation
Sheikh Hasina accused government advisors of amassing wealth through corrupt means, contrasting this with her family’s modest, middle-class lifestyle. She expressed dismay at plans to halt welfare programs, including free flats for artists, writers, journalists, and climate-affected families in Cox’s Bazar. These actions, she argued, undermine public welfare.
Call for Unity and Protest
Sheikh Hasina urged citizens, workers, farmers, and students to unite in protest to restore their rights and address the crisis. She highlighted the rising suicide rates due to food shortages and economic hardship, expressing deep grief. Reflecting on her 15 years and 7 months in power, she emphasised her dedication to public welfare, never seeking personal gain.
As Bangabandhu’s daughter, Sheikh Hasina reaffirmed her commitment to Bangladesh’s progress, calling for a united effort to ensure peace, dignity, and a better life for all. She concluded with wishes for the nation’s health and prosperity, invoking “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu.”
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