Shun path of suicide attacks

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged those wasting their lives in suicide attacks to return to the right path and assured them of doing whatever necessary to ensure their livelihoods.

"But, I'll urge them [militants] not to choose the wrong path of suicide attacks as well as the path of terrorism and militancy," she said.

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The PM said the ongoing drive of her government against terrorism, militancy and drug addiction would continue and her government would curb those with an iron hand.

Hasina was addressing a rally of children and juveniles at the Bangabandhu National Stadium marking the 47th Independence and National Day.

The Dhaka district administration organised the rally where Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Salahuddin gave the vote of thanks.

Before her speech, Hasina inspected a parade comprising various teams of students of the district's schools and colleges.

After her address, she took salute from the march past by the students of various schools. Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq was present.

The PM called upon the students to pay attention to their academic activities, listen to the advice of their guardians and teachers and never indulge in and go down the wrong path of terrorism, militancy and drug addiction.

Reminding all, including students, that Islam is a religion of peace, solidarity and brotherhood, she said, "Islam never supports killing of people, rather it says that unleashing suicidal attack is a great sin."

The PM also urged all, including teachers and guardians, to put in their united efforts so that children and juveniles could get a better life, achieve good character and thus become good human beings.

Hasina also noted that children of today are tomorrow's leaders.

"The Father of the Nation had dreamt of building a hunger and poverty-free 'Sonar Bangla'. I hope the children of today would become the main force of building the long-cherished Sonar Bangla."

Extending her heartiest felicitations to the people of the country on the occasion of Independence Day, Hasina urged all to remain vigilant so that no one could taint the Liberation War's spirit.

Hasina also highlighted various steps taken by the Father of the Nation to reconstruct a war-ravaged country and for the welfare of the children and juveniles during his three-and-a-half-year tenure.

Besides, a video clip was screened at the stadium highlighting various development activities of the present government and its various international recognitions.

Later, Hasina enjoyed a colourful performance of the students and various artistes.