Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the process of development and practice of democracy cannot continue in the country unless peace is maintained.
"I seek co-operation from all of you to maintain peace in the country. Without peace, democracy can not function and development can not take place ... Our plan is to build a prosperous Bangladesh, free of poverty and hunger, in the new century... A national consensus is a must to achieve the goal," Hasina told a reception accorded to her on her winning the Unesco peace prize for the CHT peace accord.
A 'national committee' comprising noted intellectuals and professionals organised the reception at the Ramna Batamull in the city. It was attended by selected guests.
"Winning the peace prize is not an honour for me personally. It is an honour for the whole nation. The credit goes to all who contributed to the restoration of peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracks (CHT)."
In this context, she mentioned the role of the CHT people who "reposed their confidence" in her and signed the peace treaty.
As the prime minister reached the spot minutes past
5pm. a popular Tagore song — Barisho Dhara Bohey Shantiro Neer — was played. After recitations from the holy books, a ^peace song’ was sung in chorus. Two more popular songs that inspired freedom fighters during the Liberation War were also rendered under the guidance of noted music director Samar Das.
The function was very disciplined under tight security cover. Only invited guests were allowed to attend. Their invitation cards were checked by security men. The huge podium was colourfully decorated with portraits of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Hasina.
Ministers, MPs. leaders of ruling Awami League, vice-chancellors of universities, noted poets, literatteurs, journalists, doctors, engineers? diplomats and leaders of different professional bodies attended the reception.
. National Professor Kabir Choudhury, who chaired the function, presented Sheikh Hasina a painting by Kaiyyum . Choudhury while Prof. Zillur Rahman Siddiqui read the citation.
Actress Sara Zaker read out a message from Sufia Kamal asthe octogenarian poet could not attend due to sickness. In her message. Sufia Kamal wished Hasina's success in the fight against anti-liberation fundamentalist forces.
Mayor of Dhaka city Mohammad Hanif. Justice KM Subhan. educationist Dr. Neel-ima Ibrahim. Chittagong University VC Prof Abdul Mannan. Chakma King Debashish Roy Bar-at-Law. veteran journalist Obaidul Haq. dramatist Ma-matazuddin Ahmed, and Supreme Court Bar Association Vice-president Amirul Islam in their speeches congratulated the prime minister on her winning the peace prize.
The prime minister said the CHT problem was political and "we decided to solve it politically" through talks with the tribal leaders.
Narrating the current peaceful situation in the CHT. Hasina said, "I felt the region with such a natural beauty should not be marked by bloody clashes for years. Peace and only peace suits the area." she said.
The PM also listed all the steps taken by her government for development of the CHT re-£on and improvement of the t of people there. She sought co-operation from all quarters for this.
Turning to Bangladesh's winning the UNSC membership. she said this has proved the world community’s confidence in our country. "Bangladesh's image abrond has brightened. I need your sup-gart to present a prosperous angladesh and I am confident of my success with the support of our peace-loving and hardworking people."