Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said that the yet-to-be-executed killers and conspirators involved in the August 15 massacre of 1975 are still working to oust her government as the country heading towards another national election. 

“They are still continuing their conspiracies. I know all of them (conspirators),” she said, adding she has all the information about who is doing what.

The premier said this while the newly elected board members of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society paid a courtesy call on her at her official residence Ganabhaban.

She mentioned that the conspirators were out on their mission before 2014 and 2018 elections. “Now that the next election is coming nearer they are very much active.”

Hasina wondered how the conspirators would gain by ousting her government. But one thing, she said, is certain that the people will be the sufferers.

She recalled the brutal killing of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with most members of his family on August 15, 1975.

“The killers even did not spare Russel (her 10-year-old brother),” she said in an emotion-choked voice.

“How could they do this!,” she said expressing her utter disbelief.  

She said that killers Noor, Dalim, Ziaur Rahman and Khandaker Mustaque used to frequent the residence of Bangabandhu at 32 No Dhanmondi.

“They killed my father, mother and other close relatives. By this killing they could not bring any welfare for the country and its people, rather the condition of mass people plunged into a dark era,” she said.

Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana survived the carnage as they were abroad at that time.

The PM said she is one of the family members still “alive and in power.”

She explained why the conspirators are still active against her.

“Many don’t like that I’m attaining success for the country and have elevated Bangladesh’s status as a developing nation,” she said. “I know that they are very much vibrant in their activities,” she added.

Read: PM: Public trust in AL is key to government success in development

Voicing concern over the price spiral across the globe, Hasina blamed it on Russia-Ukraine war and the consequent sanctions and counter sanctions.

“Only the arms producers are gaining and making profits. The mass people are dying. The children are leading severely inhumane lives. This is very much unfortunate,” she said.

 She said that earlier the Middle East and Gulf countries had problems and now Russia and Europe are suffering.

“…and China is the next. And if China gets involved its impact will also come upon us,” she observed.

In this regard, she said that she has asked all not to leave a single inch of land uncultivated as calamities will come from all around. “It’s already coming,” she said.

The man-made calamities are compounding the sufferings from natural calamities,” she said.

Regarding the recent load-shedding in Bangladesh, she said that the government has resorted to it considering the possible future crisis as many developed countries have already been hit by power crisis.

“We have taken the decision as precautionary measure to avert crisis in the coming days,” she said.

She said that this is now a proven truth that none other than the Awami League work for the welfare of the country and its people.

“To me power is an opportunity to serve the people and I always try to use this properly.”

She mentioned that her government is taking the country ahead overcoming the impact of coronavirus pandemic.

“But we have to go for personal savings and maintain austerity. We must not leave one inch land without cultivation. If we don’t become dependent on others for food production that will be good for us. We are doing our job considering this,” she said.

During the meeting, the board members briefed the PM about the Red Crescent’s activities in helping the people during floods, coronavirus pandemic and the Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh.

They expressed their gratitude to Bangabandhu for establishing the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society in 1973.

Chairman of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society Major General ATM Abdul Wahab (retd) led the delegation also comprising Vice Chairman Noorur Rahman, Treasurer MA Salam, Secretary General Kazi Safiqul Azam, Arma Dutta, M Manjurul Islam and other board members.