A Balance Sheet of Prosperity
During Awami League’s Five Years (1996-2000):
Comparative Analysis with BNP’s Five Years (1991-1995)
Department of Information & Research
Bangladesh Awami League
A Balance Sheet of Prosperity
During Awami League’s Five Years (1996-2000):
Comparative Analysis with BNP’s Five Years (1991-1995)
Published by Nooh-Ul-Alam Lenin Secretary,
Department of Information & Research Bangladesh Awami League
23 Bangabandhu Avenue, Dhaka-1000
PROLOGUE AND OVERVIEW
History of Awami League, the largest and oldest political party of the people of this country is the history of struggles and movements. As a matter of fact, history of Awami League – is the history of self-determination and emancipation for creating a healthy, conscious and prosperous people under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the greatest Bangalee in a thousand years. Though the age of this political party is 55 years it had been in power for only 9 years. Awami league was in power for the first time only for 4 years (1972-75) and was involved in reconstruction of this devastated country after Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, and later on during 1996-2001 when this country was both economically and politically in crisis because of after-effects of killing of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 15th August in 1975 that resulted in misrule and misdeeds of autocrats. Both of the Awami League regimes had to start governance activities to reconstruct this country (both economically and politically) from the very beginning. In both of the Awami League periods it has played a unique role to reconstruct Bangladesh as a welfare state by synthesizing thoughts and political sagacity. The party achieved total trust and faith of common people as the largest political party of Bangladesh. After three decades of Bangladesh Liberation War, we are experiencing misrule of BNP-Jamaat alliance Thug Government. The anti-Liberation forces have declared open War against the pro-Liberation forces that is why there should be such tyrannies-tortures on pro-Liberation forces, why common people along with their families are facing hardships and sufferings, or why common people including religious minorities and indigenous peoples are facing such persecutions, and why pro-Pakistani forces are indulging in violence and terrorism? Why black money and muscle power are competing with each other? Side by side there is constant Goeblesian propaganda in favor of the misdeeds by capturing all the publicity media.
Because of all these backgrounds to day Bangladesh Awami League thinks it is high time to expose some of the stark facts to the greater masses of the people of Bangladesh as truth is the birth right (which has been recognized/ in our sacred Constitution) of the people. People of this country want to know (which is their birth right), if the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were alive to day, what would be the over all situation of Bangladesh? They also want to know the comparative position of the major changes effected in socio-economic and political aspects during the Awami League regime (1996-2000) in comparison to BNP regime (1991-1995).
What would be the real face of Bangladesh if our great National leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were alive to day? The answer to this historically important question is not that very easy. But to draw some scientific inferences about tentative answer to this question, concerned researchers on the subject have used Malaysia as a model because of two prime reasons:
1 Malaysia is an ideal model for economic progress achieved by patriotic leadership.
After the killing of Bangabandhu, Awami League had to wait for 21 years (1975-96) to be involved in the governance of Bangladesh. During this period autocracy was firmly established, many achievements of Liberation War were destroyed in a planned way; democracy has been almost extinct after mixing ultra nationalism with religious fundamentalism.
As a consequence of the protracted struggle, people of Bangladesh gave a verdict in favor of Awami League to lead the nation during June 1996 to July 2001 through a free and fair election. We are putting forward, an account of the socio-economic achievements of Awami League government under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina imbued with ideas of Liberation War and Bangabandhu in comparison to the immediate past Khaleda Zia’s government (1991-1995).
Avoiding extensive description, rather on the basis of real facts and figures, a comparative analysis has been drawn up through graphs and tables in this booklet. It is expected that it will be easily comprehensible and acceptable to all levels of readers. Several prominent economists, and researchers were involved in compiling the booklet. Ex-Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has enriched this book with her valuable advice and guidance. Awami League Information and Research Division is grateful to all those who are related to this intelligent and creative publication.
It may be mentioned that, Awami League Information and Research Division published the book “Five years of Awami League led by Sheikh Hasina: Glorious success and new horizons of possibility” describing activities to complement the book “Five years of Awami League: A Balance Sheet of Development”. Enthusiastic readers will be benefited if they read this booklet as a complementary to other publications.
Needless to mention that all facts and figures used in this booklet either have been taken from published sources of Bangladesh Government or International Organizations. Sources related to the Government of Bangladesh are Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, Finance Ministry, Bangladesh Bank, Planning Ministry. Sources of information from the International Organizations are World Bank, UNDP, ADB etc.
Information of Government Budget relate to the fiscal year such as for 1991 –1992 (July to June). For a graphical comparative analysis, we have indicated a fiscal year by mentioning a single year in this booklet for convenience as in the scale of 1991. Same system has been applied for all other fiscal years.
Though in 1972 Net National Income of Bangladesh and Malaysia was equal, nevertheless because of larger population of Bangladesh per capita national income of Bangladesh was lower than that of Malaysia; in Bangladesh it was US$ 120 and it was US$ 430 for Malaysia. In 2001, in the absence of Bangabandhu, per capita National Income of Bangladesh was US$ 370 and in Malaysia it was US$ 3,540. But if Bangabandhu were alive to day then those socio-economic policies could be implemented and the per capita income of Bangladesh might have been US$ 2,000 which is US$ 1,630 more than that of to day’s per Capita Income of Bangladesh. So from the point of view of per capita income, it is certain that Bangladesh might have been a country of medium income level rather than a poor country. So Bangabandhu was killed to perpetuate Bangladesh as a country without importance and
200,000 150,000 100,000 50,000 0 respect. Percapita GNP (US dollar): 1972-2001
4000
3000
2000
2000
1000
To measure the economic position of a country, the best way is by per capita real national income (real per capita Income means, buying capability of goods and services with such income). In 1972 both Bangladesh and Malaysia were in same position on the basis of real per capita national income that is US$ 280. To day real per capita income of Bangladesh is US$ 1,720 and for Malaysia it is US$ 8,280 that is five times larger than that of Bangladesh. But it could have been US$ 10,200, which is higher than that of Malaysia. Many might be thinking it is unbelievable because of ignorance and lack of information about those steps taken by Great National Leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman such as follows:
1 Agrarian reform (including land reform)
2 Industrial development
3 Priority given to human development sectors including education and health
4 Large scale electrification
5 Infrastructure development
6 Development of social sectors
7 Price stabilization of daily essentials
8 Balanced and well-developed strategy of international trade policy.
Percapita PPP (US dollar): 1972-2001
1972 1975 2001
Most important issue is that with development strategy of Bangabandhu income difference between Bangladesh and Malaysia could be much less (because of more balanced income distribution, there might have been smaller gap between the rich and the poor).
Five years of Awami League Government (1996-2000)
There is no doubt about it that within five years time, Awami League Govt. achieved a large scale development in social, economic and political policies under the able leadership of Bangabandhu’s daughter Shaikh Hasina. To explain the related matters objectively out of many sectors and sub-sectors, the trades of only 11 sectors of growth have been taken up to compare with five years period of regime of Khalada Zia (1991-1995) by graph/chart. At the same time, the main causal factors behind the improvement have been noted as follows:
Per capita net national Income
Export
Import
FDI
Rice Production: Agriculture
Rural Electrification
Poverty reduction
Human Resource Development: Education
Human Resource Development: Health
Infrastructural Development (Highways, Railways, Telephone)
Information Technology
Apart from this, another 14 issues pertinent to socio-economic and political strategy of Awami League government have been described as “maximum achievement within short span of time” which reflects the strong will of the Government of and party President Sheikh Hasina.
1 Indo-Bangla Treaty on Ganges Water
2 Hill Tract Peace Treaty
3 Bangabandhu Bridge
4 Rehabilitation of Landless People
5 Women Empowerment
6 Local Government
7 Private TV Channel
8 Rural Social Services
9 Law and Order and Public Security
10 Defense
11 Growth of Tourism Industries
12 Religious Fellow Feelings
13 International Mother Language Day
14 Improvement of image of Bangladesh in International Arena
What are the reasons for such substantial rise in rice production?
1 More importance was given to the farm and farmer, which are the life blood of Bangladesh.
2 Restart of subsidy on agricultural goods and commodities.
3 Expansionist policy taken in agricultural sector (against the will of the donors pressure).
4 Expansion of more farmland within the irrigation facilities.
5 Maximum expansion of electrified-irrigation system.
6 Priority assigned to ensure timely and adequate fertilizer supply, and to mitigate demand for fertilizer at Upazila level and reach farmers.
7 Agricultural loan extension and to make them available to the farmers.
8 Encouragement given to innovate high-breed seed.
9 Relevant activities for diversification of crop production and its accomplishment.
10 Implementation of “one house-one farm” policy.
11 Setting up of agricultural commission and immediate steps to realize commission’s recommendations.
12 Updating and reformation of different relevant laws.
13 Strengthening of “Water management wing” for proper utilization of water resources.
14 Fruitful result from Water Sharing Treaty with India.
7. POVERTY ALLEVIATION
Comparative view: Absolute poor (those who get less than 2,122 kilo calories of food per day): When BNP came to power in 1991, the number of absolute poor was 47.52% of the population. At the end of BNP regime in 1995 (last year of BNP) absolute poverty was 47.53% which implies no improvement of poverty situation during BNP regime.
1 When in 1996 Awami League came to power through free and fair election, they took measures to reduce poverty to 44.33% a decline of 3.2% points. From the point of view of calorie in-take also, poverty level reduced during Awami League period. This ensured improved health conditions of the Awami League Why the number of poor people reduced during Awami League time as compared to the period of BNP regime? Highest effort was made to keep the price level of consumer goods within the reach of common people. Record rice production during Awami League period. Introduction of old people’s pension scheme as safety net. Allowance for widow and vulnerable women as safety net. Special financial benefits to the “Mukti Joddha” as safety net. “Kormo Sangsthan” Bank was launched.
2 Rehabilitation fund was introduced.
3 Implementation of Ashrayan (rehabilitation) project.
Strengthening all
4 compo nent
A Balance Sheet of Prosperity During Awami League’s Five Years (1996-2000)
What are the reasons for more Railways and Highways constructed during Awami League period compared to BNP period?
Accepting the important role of Infrastructural Development, Awami League provided additional budget allocation for transportation and communication sector. During BNP rule the budget allocation was Tk.91,402 million (per year Tk.18,244 million on an average). Compared to this, Awami League Government increased
allocation to Tk.1,55,707 million (per year Tk.31,141.4 million on an average). Fulfillment of election manifesto by Awami League.
Arrangement for Bangladeshi people to move from one end to another end of the country within a short span of time by development of faster communication system.
Efforts to join 64 districts of Bangladesh with the capital city of Dhaka by roads and Comparative view: Telephone
Telecommunication system is the medium of evolution of modern civilization.
been a matter of regret that BNP Government did not put emphasis on this. So when in 1991, BNP came to power the total number of telephone lines was 2,53,863 and after five years
they added only 1,14,906 new lines. So at the end of BNP Govt. total Telephone line stood at 3,68,769. On the other hand, Awami League govt in their five years time connected people
with new 2,48,429 lines, that is more than two times of BNP’s govt. Therefore, at the end of Awami League’s governance the total number of telephone lines reached the mark of
Number of Telephone (BTTB): 1991-2000
BNP Awami League
In NWD telecommunication sector, Awami League government’s contribution was extraordinary. At the last year of BNP Govt. total NWD circuits were 11,151. But Awami League brought it to 22,770 in their last year. Besides this, Awami League government reduced the tax on NWD from level 5th to level 3rd by the 1st July, 2001. Awami League reduced tax in the sector to the range of 13.4% - 36%. highways. 6,88,920 lines. But it has
people. In 1996 when Awami League just came to power, there were only 2,000 mobile telephone connections, each of which cost more than Tk.1,00,000. On the other side, in 2000, number of mobile phones stood at 7,00,000 and the price of those phones were in the range of Tk.7,000-10,000.
Price and number of mobile phone Price of each mobile set (Tk.) Number of mobile sets
Final year of BNP (1996)
2,000 pcs
Tk 100,000
Final year of Awami League
(2000)
Tk 10,000
What are the main reasons for this significant development in the Telecommunication Sector?
1 Telecommunications sector was given preference in Development Budget by Awami League.
2 Stopped the monopoly business and assured competitive business market so that both mobile and land phone could come within the buying capacity of common people.
3 Strong belief of Awami League that economy of the country has to be taken to the path of welfare.
4 Avoid unnecessary complexity of communications.
11. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Comparative view: IT in communication sector has opened up the gate of revolutionary changes all over the world but because of obsolete policy of BNP govt. (1991-1995) and to serve vested interest groups, IT sector failed to develop as the mobile phone business was monopolized by a BNP leader. But Awami League Government initiated a far reaching policy. As a result there are now hundreds of cyber cafes all over Bangladesh. Through these cyber cafes or internet facilities, our students are having lots of information within a short time and at a cheap price. During Awami League period government permitted 40 private internet providers to operate. This was simply unthinkable under BNP regime.
Since 1997-98 Awami League government exempted tax on import of computer and computer related accessories that resulted in a revolutionary prospect in IT sector in the country. So while during BNP period a computer was worth Tk.200,000, the same is available now for only Tk.30,000. As a result, customers of computer have also gone up. Now all over Bangladesh 1,80,000 computers are being sold in a year, whereas, the same was only 10,000 per year during BNP period. At the same time, number of computer sale shops also rose from 50 in 1996 (when Awami League came to power) to 1,500 during the last year of Awami League in power. This is an unprecedented success of Awami League in the IT sector.
Apart from this to ensure revolutionary change in IT area Awami League government permitted private operators to establish V-SAT under Bangladesh Telephone and Telegraphic Board to expand the data entry and software export market. As a result, data entry and export markets of software have expanded. It is the Awami League government who took the steps to set up IT village.
This improvement of IT expedited the business communication and because of this type of technological development, national income of our country climbed up and higher growth rate of GDP was achieved. Expansion of IT sector by Awami League government has led several hundreds of thousands young people to science and technology of external world and this step has created their employment opportunity both in Bangladesh and abroad by increasing professionalism. This is a unique example of patriotic and farsighted leadership of Awami League.
How this revolutionary development happened in IT sector?
1 BNP government did not even think of exemption of sales tax and duty on computer and related accessories, such as, software, computer parts etc.
2 To encourage investment in software industry, Awami League government gave a budget allocation of Tk.1,000 million in 2001-02 fiscal year.
3 Far reaching efforts by Awami League to take Bangladesh to the modern world of science, knowledge and technology.
4 To consider IT sector as a way of removing poverty in Bangladesh.
12. OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS IN BRIEF.
Indo-Bangla Ganges Water Treaty: Water Treaty for 30 years signed on December 12, 1996 between India and Bangladesh was a unique achievement in the history of Bangladesh. This treaty has improved the prospects of the shrunken occupation of almost 40 million people. By starting the project of “Ganga-Kopotakkha” irrigation in 1997 almost 25,000 hectors of land again came under cultivation under “KHARIF 01” season. After such developments prospect has brightened up to bring 75,000 hectors of land under cultivation as an impact of this treaty. In addition, as a result of this treaty salinity of water will be avoided; world’s largest mangrove forest Sundarban’s bio-diversity will be saved (Royal Bengal tiger and Hogla plants will be conserved). As because of a long term treaty there is a possibility to build “Ganga Barrage”. This is the result of the far-sighted policy during Awami League period.
1 Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Treaty: 2nd December 1997 is a memorable day in the history of Bangladesh. On that day Awami League government executed the Hill Tracts Peace Treaty that ended the confrontation between Bengali and hilly people after a troubled period of two decades. This is a unique document of recognition of indigenous peoples. This is a unique model of national integration. This treaty not only stops the conflict, it also reduces the military expenditure and death of common people. Because of this treaty now Bangladesh is able to prospect both mineral and forest resources which are likely to play a far reaching effect on the economy of the country.
2 Bangabadhu Bridge: World’s 11th largest bridge, Bangabandhu Bridge is a land mark in the history of communication system of the country. By constructing the bridge on the Jamuna, Awami League has fulfilled their election manifesto, promised by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1970. This Bridge has aroused the will to live in the “Monga” affected people of northern Bangladesh. This Bridge has made economy of Bangladesh a total unified national economy. This Bridge has created a bondage among people of the country.
3 Rehabilitation of Landless People: Civilization of Bangladesh is based on land. This land is the wealth of dreamland of the people. River erosion and landlessness have blocked the progress of the people. Bangabandhu first realized this and initiated the project named “ADORSHA GRAM” (Ideal Village). But after the killing of Bangabandhu, this project was stopped. In 1996 when Awami League gained power for the second time, Awami League rehabilitated 12,526 landless families. In this direction “GHARE FERA” (Returning Home) deserves special mention.
5. Empowerment of Women: From time immemorial, Bangladeshi women have been vulnerable and deprived – in a real sense backward. So for their socio-economic and political development Awami League government in their 5 years period took various initiatives under “Women Development Programme”. As a result,
At present every union council has 3 union council female members who are elected directly by people’s vote. That happened for the first time in Bangladesh.
Under the banner “Landless Women Development Project” 1,58,644 women got the financial and food assistance along with sustainable job-oriented training during 5 years (1996-2000).
Under the VGD project 50,000 women received assistance during Awami League period.
06. Local government: Bangabandhu in his first “Five Year Plan (1973-78)” declared establishment and development of human welfare-orientated local government as a special object. Since then this concept has been accepted as a means to eradicate poverty. Even the people’s welfare-orientated local government as a basis for good governance was included in the First Five Year Plan as an objective. As a continuation of the spirit of Bangabandhu’s First Five Year Plan, remarkable achievements attained during Hasina’s governance were:
Formulation of law to ascertain people’s empowerment through 4 level local government system.
Union based “Growth Centers” where women entrepreneurs would be allotted shops.
To extend urban facilities to rural areas.
Law was passed for women to be elected by direct vote.
4 Commencement of Private Television Channels: Mass media is a key vehicle for development of democracy. For the first time in Bangladesh Awami League government allowed private TV Channels that have advanced democracy in our country. This way people of Bangladesh got the democratic right to information, and this ensured Constitutional obligation of freedom of information. But just after coming to power BNP-Jamaat thug coalition banned the popular TV channel “EKUSHE TV”.
5 Rural Social Service: In 1974 Bangabandhu started the “Rural Social Service Project”. Its importance in socio-economic development of Bangladesh is undeniable. During Awami League period, this was extended to 461 Upazilas. By 1999 Awami League government brought 2 million people under this project, and Tk.110 million was disbursed to develop their socio economic condition.
6 Law and Order and Public Security: Main features of post-1975 period are absence of democracy, autocratic and dictatorial rule, pervasive poverty, contraction in employment opportunities etc. As a result, law and order situation deteriorated in the country. Peaceful life was disrupted and terrorism took roots in the society – in a way, peaceful economic, social and political environments conducive to development were totally disrupted. In such an environment, Awami League formed government with the verdict of the people on 23rd June 1996. To restore law and order situation, to allow people to sleep in peace, to create an environment conducive to investment, to control terrorism with an iron hand – Awami League government had to take tough steps. Among them major steps taken were: 5,000 new posts were created to make Bangladesh police modern and dynamic. Steps were taken to create community police; 36 enquiry centers over and above 47 existing centers were set up for making police more effective and for making quick enquiries of the cases; 6 more new Police stations were set up; security measures were tightened to contain terrorism in the southern part of the country; budget allocations were increased for modernizing and developing Police forces; system of honorarium was introduced for the Police while involved in risky jobs; welfare trust was created for police; allowance for Ansars was raised by 20%; Ansars working for 15 years were absorbed permanently; ration of the police forces was doubled; 25 police camps were set up and 14,680 constables were recruited. In the educational centers, fight for capturing student dormitories was stopped by eradicating terrorism. As a result of all these, peace was restored in the campus and session jam could be avoided.
7 Defense: Autocratic rulers and dictators have always used the army of Bangladesh for their own ambition. They have always tried to subdue and persecute the common people by the well-established army that are supposed to protect this country from external invasion. Only Awami League government kept the army above political influence and tried to modernize the army with logistic support and arranged for strategic training to enable them to protect sovereignty of Bangladesh. At the same time, Awami League government extended facilities to Army, Navy, Air force, Bangladesh Rifles, Police and ANSAR. National Defense College, Autonomous Science and Technological Education Center, Army Medical College, and a Bank for Defense Forces were established. Arrangements were made for higher education and training of Bangladesh Army. Efforts were made to equip Bangladesh Rifles with modern resources and technology. 539 Km unprotected border of Bangladesh was brought under a project by Awami League government. Under this project in phases, 1 border port, 4 sectors, 20 rifle battalions, and one riverine battalion were established. On-going activities of Bangladesh army in UN Peace Keeping Forces have improved the image of the country for their praise worthy role in international sphere.
11. Development of Tourism Industry: Tourism Industry is one of the promising industries of our country. Because of lack of proper planning in this sector foreign tourists are not yet attracted to visit historical places of Bangladesh. Awami League government took various steps to develop Tourism Industry. As a result, tourism industry is growing gradually in Bangladesh.
In 1996 total number of tourists visited Bangladesh was 1,65,887. In 1997, it increased to 1,82,420. In the subsequent years, the flow of tourists from abroad continued unabated. In 1999 Bangladesh earned Tk.2,450 million in foreign exchange from this sector.
8 Religious Freedom and Tolerance: Traditionally, for Bangladeshi people, religious feelings and compassions are instinctive. So Awami League government took important projects like IMAM training center and, permanent HAZI Camp for muslims. Vested Property Act was repealed. Religious Trust was formed for the followers of Buddhism. On a regular basis, donations were given in various religious festivals like EID, PUZA, BUDDHA PURNIMA etc.
9 International Mother Language Day: In 1974, with Bangabandhu’s speech in Bengali in the United Nations General Assembly, the process for establishment of Bengali language in international sphere commenced. Due to immense far-sightedness and tireless efforts of people’s leader, Sheikh Hasina, Bengali Language has acquired the status of International Mother Language Day as per UN resolution.
14. Elevation of Image of Bangladesh in International Arena: Image of Bangladesh was established in the comity of Nations, through the War of Liberation under the great leadership of the Father of the Nation. Following the killing of Bangabandhu, the image was shattered. Autocratic rule over the nation, exploitation, misrule, bad governance, extreme religious communalism and divisive policy have steadily deteriorated our image. During the Awami League Government of five years, all-out efforts were made to salvage the image of Bangladesh in the international arena through economic, social and diplomatic efforts which were recognized all over the world. Amongst these, the following are worth mentioning:
Acquiring temporary membership by Bangladesh in UN Security Council.
Acquiring the status of Coordinator and spokes person of Least Developing Countries.
Formation of BIMESTEC for regional economic cooperation.
Active role of Bangladesh in diffusing tension created following detonation of nuclear bomb by India and Pakistan.
Leadership of Bangladesh in SAARC.
Active role of Bangladesh in OIC and Commonwealth and increased role of these organizations in development of the member states.
Bangladesh was the first country in South Asia to sign CTBT to stop spread of nuclear weapons.
2nd D-8 Summit, UN Millennium Summit and Tri-National Trade Summit were held in Dhaka.
Visit of Bangladesh by important international leaders, such as, Nelson Mandela, Yasir Arafat, Solomon Demriel.
UNESCO Peace Award and Seres Award of World Food Programme for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for signing Hill Tracts Peace Treaty and historical Ganges Water Treaty with India, unprecedented progress in agriculture, human rights and peace establishment, institutionalization of democracy, establishment of Human Rights and Peace, and Poverty Alleviation.
Bangladesh was honored through Sheikh Hasina as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh by various International Fora.
To overcome the devastating 1998 flood successfully (even then the economic growth was 4.9% and production of food grains was 21.8 million metric tonnes during the year of devastating flood).
Preparation for NAM Summit that was supposed to be held in Dhaka in 2001 was almost completed by Awami League Government. But BNP-Jamaat thug coalition by canceling the Summit damaged the honour, glory and image of Bangladesh that was built up by Awami League with so much efforts.
Even after not being in the Government, Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina was invited as a Special Honorable Guest to deliver her speech on poverty alleviation in G-8 Summit ‘Outreach Conference’’.
The economic, political and social criminalisation including the misrule, exploitation, misdeeds and bad governance of “BNP-Jamaat Thug” coalition government have exceeded all limits. The dangerous reality is that during BNP-Jamaat coalition even the state is playing role in further promoting criminalisation. BNP-Jamaat thug coalition government who are opposed to the spirit of Liberation War are now distorting the history of Independence of this country as per their pre-planned machinations. They have distorted the history of Declaration of War of Independence. If time permits, they are hell bound to change the national anthem and national flag. BNP-Jamaat coalition Government is not only incapable of maintaining the total achievements of Awami League Government, but also they are unsuccessful to run the state activities. As long as they are in power, their failure will increase leaps and bounds and country, countrymen and state interest will be hampered all the more. All positive possibilities of the state will be jeopardized. The only objective of BNP- Jamaat Thug alliance is to turn Bangladesh into an inoperative and failed state, to take revenge of the defeat during Liberation War. But Bangladesh of Bangabandhu can not be like this. Bengalees are a Brave Nation. People of Bangladesh will not accept this position. So today is the time for all secular democratic forces, irrespective of their party affiliations, be imbued with the spirit of Liberation War, to oust the unpatriotic BNP-Jamaat coalition. We have to put an end to the darkness, devoid of any sense of direction. We have to bring smiles to the face of the suffering masses by ensuring march of Bangladesh to the path of bright future and progress.
It is neither a theory nor a flurry of verbosity. In this balance sheet, efforts have been made to compare the prosperity achieved during Awami League (1996-2000) period under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina as compared to the five years of BNP (1991-1995). Novelty of the booklet is that in the first chapter, it has been discussed “What could be the face of Bangladesh if `Bangabandhu’ were alive?” A very interesting idea has been propounded in this chapter. After going through the chapter the reader will not have to take recourse to imagination. From the statistics and analysis anyone can come to the conclusion that Awami League did not only bring about freedom to the dear motherland but also laid socio-political economic foundation for a prosperous and developed Bangladesh.
