522 AL leaders, activists die from coronavirus: PM

Praising leader and activists of Awami League (AL) for their dedication and sacrifice to tackle the ongoing coronavirus pandemic Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said about 522 leaders and activists of the party have so far died from the Coronavirus.

“Many people could have died and it couldn’t explain in language that how immense sufferings the people would have faced during the pandemic if any other party (instead of the AL) had remained in power, ”said prime minister in an introductory speech at the meeting of the Awami League’s executive body at her official Ganabhaban residence in Dhaka on Saturday.

The prime minister said no other party and organisation come forward to stand beside the distressed people during the pandemic.

They (other parties, mainly BNP) are passing busy days to give lip services using the broadcast and print media, she said, adding that her government has given the approval most of the electronic media, BSS reports.

She said her government has been tirelessly working to face the Covid-19 pandemic and keep running the country’s economy.

Sheikh Hasina, also the President of Awami League, thanked the leaders and activists of the party and its front and associate bodies to stand by the people during the Covid-19 pandemic, cyclone Amphan and the flood by risking their lives.

She prayed for salvation of the departed souls as 522 leaders and activists including lawmakers and cabinet members have so far died from the coronavirus.

The premier asked the party men to maintain communication with the people at the grassroots level, saying, “The Awami League is with the people and will remain always with the people as the party’s motto only is to work for the people.”

The premier spelled out the efforts made by her party men in reaching relief to the distressed people, making the people aware to follow health guidelines, arranging burial of the Covid-19 patients alongside cutting paddy of the farmers to minimise the plight of the people during the pandemic by risking their lives.

“No other political party made such a great sacrifice,” she added.

Describing the Awami League as the party of the people, Sheikh Hasina said, “Standing beside the people during the pandemic once again proved that the Awami League always remains beside the people.”

She said her party’s main strength is the trust and confidence of the people.