Nation on verge of ruination due to politicisation

"It is not fair to treat socio-cultural and sports organisations from political point of view. If any government does so, the country will not advance," said Hasina, also Awami League (AL) President, while speaking as chief guest at a discussion on the premises of Abahani Krira Chakra at Dhanmondi in the city.

Abahani Samarthak Goshthi, the fans' group of Abahani Club, organised the discussion marking the 57th birth anniversary of Sheikh Kamal, slain eldest son of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The AL chief said Abahani, a premier club of the country founded by her brother Kamal, has been victimised by previous governments including the ruling alliance after the assassination of Bangabandhu in 1975.

"Since then they have been conspiring to destroy the club but its supporters have saved the club from all evil designs," she said.

Hasina handed over Sheikh Kamal Gold Medals and prize bonds worth Tk 5000 among five sportsmen and organisers Mohammad Rafiq, (Cricket), Arif Khan Joy (Football), Afzalur Rahman Sinha, late Zahidur Rahman Pushkin and Rezowan Mujib Siddique Boby.

Earlier she placed wreaths at the monument of Kamal on the Abahani premises and observed one-minute silence.

The former prime minister called upon the youths not to follow the path of becoming rich through corruption like the 'Prime Minister's family members', rather they should engage themselves in extra-curricular activities like sports and cultural activities to become worthy sons of the soil.

Refuting an allegation brought by the prime minister in parliament that Kamal was caught red-handed during a bank robbery, Hasina termed it as 'false' propaganda against him.

"If the son of a prime minister needs money, he does not need to loot a bank and the present prime minister's sons, who have made thousands of crore taka in illegal ways, are the appropriate examples," the AL chief said, adding if Kamal would have wanted he could be the owners of many industries like the sons of Khaleda.

"One of Kamal's associates Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku is now a minister in Khaleda's cabinet. So has she appointed a bank dacoit as her minister?" Hasina posed a question.

She said Kamal as the son of President dedicated himself in building the newborn nation's sporting and cultural arenas.

"When I left Bangladesh for Germany in 1975 to see my husband there, Kamal requested me to bring some Adidas boots for his football team, and nothing else," said Hasina in an emotion-choked voice recalling her long attachment with her younger brother.

The AL president urged all including the fans of Abahani across the country to extend their helping hands and co-operation to gear up its activities.

Chaired by Abahani Director Sheikh Mohammad Jahangir Alam, the discussion was also addressed by its Chairman Salman F Rahman, Kazi Shahed Ahmed, Harunur Rashid, AHM Mostafa Kamal, Bazlul Haque Beg and AKM Muhituddin.