The 15th anniversary of release of Awami League President and incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from prison was observed through various programmes in the country on Sunday, reports BSS.
On this day in 2008, Sheikh Hasina was released from the special sub-jail set up on the premises of the Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament) Bhaban after remaining captive there for nearly 11 months.
Marking the day, ruling Awami League (AL), Jubo League, Swechasebak League as well as other organizations organized different programmes, including special prayers, milad mahfils and discussions, seeking long and healthy life of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
AL leaders greeted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina with bouquets at her official Ganabhaban residence in the city. Led by AL General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, Joint General Secretary and Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni, Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hassan Chowdhoury and AL Office Secretary Barrister Biplab Barua were present on the occasion.
Besides, Swechasebak League organized a discussion and doa and milad mahfil at Kolabagan Krira Chakra auditorium in the city after maghrib prayers to mark the day.
Swechasebak League acting President Gazi Mezbaul Hossain Sacchu and General Secretary Afzalur Rahman Babu were present at the function, among others.
Awami Jubo League also organized discussion and doa and milad mahfil at AL's central office in the city's Bangabandhu Avenue area after asr prayers.
Jubo League General Secretary Md Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, presidium members Mamunur Rashid and Habibur Rahman Paban, joint general secretaries Subrata Paul and Muhammad Badiul Alam, Organizing Secretary Mashiur Rahman Chapal, Dhaka City South Jubo League acting General Secretary HM Rezaul Karim Reza and, Central Jubo League Publicity Secretary Joydeb Nandi and Deputy Office Secretary Md Delwar Hossain were present at the event, among others.
The Awami League President Sheikh Hasina was arrested from her Sudha Sadan residence at Dhanmondi on July 16, 2007 during the military-backed caretaker government, which assumed power in the political changeover of 1/11 in 2007.
As Sheikh Hasina fell sick during her captivity, demands were raised then from different quarters including the Awami League and its associate bodies to send her abroad for better medical treatment after releasing her from jail.
Conceding to the people's spontaneous and repeated demands and pressure from different quarters, the caretaker government was compelled to release Sheikh Hasina from jail.
In the national election of December 29 in 2008, the Awami League-led grand alliance registered a landslide victory with a two-thirds majority in Parliament and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina became the Prime Minister for the second term.
After that, Awami League also became triumphant in the general elections of 2014 and 2018 and formed the government.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
