AL Ensures Voting Rights of People: PM

Primne Minister Sheikh Hasina promised a cheering crowd of thousands of people, including AL leaders and activists, during the governing party's big rally at the Rangpur Zilla School site that there would never be a famine in the Rangpur area again.

The PM emphasized the government's many accomplishments while also mentioning election triumphs amid shouts extolling AL's development drive.

"The AL has ensured the voting rights of people. People can vote peacefully now. We introduced a photo national ID card for every voter," she said.

"Countries around the world are in an economic crisis, but Bangladesh is still marching forward."

While addressing the crowd, Hasina brought up the penalty meted out to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and his wife Zubaida Rahman, who were sentenced to nine and three years in prison in a fraud case today. The venue and its surrounding 10 kilometer radius regions were packed to the capacity. 

"The BNP looted the people of the country when they were in power. They vandalise public properties and carry out arson attacks. 

"Khaleda Zia and her son laundered money abroad. They are now getting the punishment for their crimes."

She said, while the BNP destroys the country, the AL was building it.

"We improved the quality of lives of people. Only 'boat' improved the luck of Rangpur, so vote for boat."

Thousands of temporary gates, festoons, banners, placards, and posters with images of the Father of the Nation and the prime minister were placed across the city of Rangpur to welcome their beloved prime minister.

The divisional city's roads and byways were all similarly ornamented.

At the large gathering this afternoon, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina officially dedicated 27 freshly built development plans.

In the district, she also set the cornerstone for five other structures, including the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novo Theatre, which cost more than Tk 2,000 crore.

The initiatives run by several ministries, departments, and Rangpur City Corporation are anticipated to help the local economy and the country's overall socioeconomic standing.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novo Theatre is one of the most significant development initiatives.

At a cost of Tk417 crore, the 10-story Novo Theatre is being constructed on 10 acres of land in Rangpur Upshohor, some six kilometers from Rangpur town.

The Bangabandhu Novo Theatre in Dhaka has already been constructed by the government, and four further theaters are being erected in Barishal, Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Khulna.

The Novo Theatre in Rajshahi is nearly finished with construction, and it will probably open in the next few of months.

According to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's promise, each division would have a Novo Theatre.

Sheikh Hasina made her first trip back to Rangpur in four years today to attend the Awami League's major gathering. The district was last visited by the premier on December 23, 2018, just before the 11th legislative election.

Since early in the morning, thousands of people, including AL officials and activists, have been congregating at the location.

Leaders and activists from the AL and its affiliate organizations marched to the location while toting bright banners, posters, placards, tiny boats, and party and national flags.

The workers of Rajshahi and Dhaka have constructed a sizable boat-shaped platform for the protest where 300 leaders and activists may sit side by side.

The Metropolitan Awami League and the Rangpur District convened a number of meetings in advance of the premier's visit as part of their preparations.

Deputy Commissioner of Rangpur Mohammad Mobasswer Hasan said they have taken necessary measures ahead of the PM's visit. 

"Adequate security measures have been taken to this end," he said.