“What he had said during the constitutional amendment was interpreted in totally the opposite way. He had taken an excellent step to bring about a change in the fate of all people, including the poor. It was spoiled, which was very unfortunate,” she said.

The Prime Minister said this participating in the general discussion over the resolution brought in the House to pay tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of Mujib Borsho, marking the birth centenary of Bangabandhu.

Later, the House unanimously adopted the resolution by voice vote.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangabandhu had announced the programmes for the second revolution as he had a goal to make rapid socio-economic development of Bangladesh.

But various types of criticism started for the step he had taken. Many things were said, including that he arranged one-party rule, and wanted to grip power, she added.

“When the Father of the Nation had formed the Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League, he wanted to unite the whole nation. He had made a call for unity taking all classes of people,” said the Prime Minister adding that he had a goal to boost the production of the country and ensure socio-economic development of people.

“The criticism started in such a way. It was unfortunate that he was brutally killed. As a result, he couldn’t do that work,” she added.

Noting that the only goal of the Father of the Nation behind the move was to put smiles on the faces of the unhappy people, the PM said he amended the Constitution and took a five-year programme.

“I believe if he could have done it in the next five years, now Bangladesh would be established as a developed country in the world. But, unfortunately, he was not allowed to do so,” she said.  

She said the Father of the Nation, in his speech at the House during the 4th amendment to the Constitution on January 25, 1975, said the new system that was adopted following the constitutional amendment is also democracy where the exploited people would have voting rights.

Bangabandhu also said it would have to resist and fight against corruption, bribe, smuggling and profit-mongers, Hasina said.

She said the Father of the Nation wanted to increase agricultural production through establishing cooperatives systems in 65,000 villages across the country for the sake of smooth marketing of products and ensuring the wellbeing of people as he had wanted the development of the country and its people.

Bangabandhu had wanted to bring changes to the electoral system to make the election free from arms, money and muscle power so that the grassroots people could be elected, she said.

Criticising the recent arson attack on some buses, the PM questioned as to why arson attacks on buses have been carried out afresh while the government has been trying to keep the country’s economy moving and ensure the livelihoods of its people.

“Without reason arson attacks on buses have been launched all of a sudden. Why and what is the reason? Election is being held,” she said.

Hasina said they (BNP) took part in the polls just for participation. They pocket the money which they get (in the name of election). They did nothing for (winning) the election and didn’t give agents. “But they want to create a situation by setting fire on buses after boycotting the election in the middle of the election,” she added.

“We’ve been doing whatever necessary to fight the coronavirus and keep the country's economy moving. Now it’s a big question: what are the complaints?” she said.

The PM said the government even has paid money in advance for getting the vaccine of the lethal virus once it is ready mainly to start vaccination of the people from the very beginning.

She said the discussion on the resolution was very necessary as people came to know many information, the life and philosophy of Bangabandhu who sacrificed all of his life for the welfare of people.

“Let’s work together to change the fate of people. Let’s build “Sonar Bangladesh” as dreamt by the Father of the Nation,” she said.

President Abdul Hamid witnessed the discussion from the President's Box of Parliament on Sunday.

On November 9, the Prime Minister and Leader of the House placed the resolution under rule 147 of the Rules of Procedure to pay solemn tribute to the Father of the Nation through a special session summoned on the occasion of Mujib Borsho.

President Abdul Hamid also on the same day delivered his speech focusing on the life, works and philosophy of Bangabandhu in the special session.

A total of 79 MPs from the treasury and opposition bench took part in a 19-hour discussion on the resolution.

Also read: President sits in on special session of JS