RAJSHAHI. June 5: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today called upon the Awami League leaders and workers to strengthen the party at grassroots level to work for economic emancipation of the people, reports UNB.

"Only the Awami League can ensure economic freedom of the people." she said asking her party workers to dedicate themselves to the cause of the people.

Addressing the golden jubilee celebration programme of the Awami League at Rajshahi Madrassah Maidan, Hasina directed the workers to go to the people and project the ideals of the party to them.

"Go to the people, serve them and request them to vote for Awami League." she said reminding her partymen that earning the people's confidence and faith is the most valuable asset for a politician.

"This confidence can be earned through sacrifice and dedication." Hasina said adding: "Expectation of the people is much from Awami League, the party of the people."

The Prime Minister men-

tioned that her party got only one seat in greater Rajshahi in the last election. People of this region did not vote for Awami League, but the government did not make any discrimination in its development programme, she said.

The government believes in balanced development and working for the welfare of the people, Hasina added.

Party workers and leaders from al! 17 districts of the Rajshahi division joined the rally today at the Madrassah maidan, where a big panda! was erected.

Hasina. also the Awami League President, hoisted the national flag at the beginning of the programme, released a bunch of balloons and some pigeons.

Party general secretary hoisted the party flag and district presidents and general secretaries the district unit flags.

Criticising the opposition leader, she said Begum Zia took advantage from the Ershad government after the killing other husband.

Hasina said Khaleda Zia.

once identified Ershad as the killer of her husband but did not take any step to try the killers of General Zia.

"Now Begum Zia started movement to oust the elected government joining hands with Ershad. whom she identified as the killer of her husband," she said.

Marking the Golden Jubilee of the Awami League. 13 elderly leaders of Rajshahi Division were given party crests. Hasina handed over the crests to the leaders.

Earlier, on her arrival at Rajshahi, the Prime Minister laid the foundation of Mosharraf Hossain Lions Eye Hospital. Later, she attended the law and order co-ordination meeting at the Rajshahi circuit house.

In the meeting, the Prime Minister directed the officials to taken stern action against the terrorists irrespective of their party affiliations.

Home Minister Mohammad Nasim, Divisional Commissioner and DCs and SPs of the division were present at the meeting.