The Awami League (AL) is commemorating its founding anniversary for the second time under the ongoing state of emergency, reports bdnews24.com.
The party began its 59th anniversary programme Monday by placing wreaths at the portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in front of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in the city's Dhanmondi area.
The AL is observing the day solemnly, seeing many challenges ahead in the run up to the national polls and with its party chief Sheikh Hasina being seeking medical treatment abroad.
After the party's senior leaders led by presidium member Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury laid their wreaths, its front organisations did the same.
Acting general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam recalled the contributions of Bangabandhu and the people who sacrificed their lives for freedom and democracy, saying: "The nation's hopes and aspirations hinge on this party and we must go forward to realise that."
In reply to a question, Mr Ashraful said that the people would not like to see a recurrence of 1/11 in the country.
Asked if he thought political parties have failed to fulfil the people's aspirations, he said: "I don't think so."
"It was always political parties that strengthened and guided people in foiling the tyrannical designs to perpetuate in power."
Meanwhile, AL president Sheikh Hasina, now in the USA, has asked her party to work to win the next parliamentary elections, said an AL statement issued on the party's 59th founding anniversary Monday.
"AL leaders and supporters will have to work to make Bangladesh a medium income range country by 2020, through establishing democracy and by participating in the national elections," the AL president was quoted as saying to expatriate party members in the US Sunday.
Hasina is currently in the US on a temporary release order from the government to seek better medical treatment.
Recalling the incidents of her arrest and detention after she had returned home from the US, last year, Hasina said, "I returned to my country amid great risks with a view to establishing democracy."
Replying to a query, she said, "I don't have any resentment. I want to work for the country."
She said she was released as her party leaders and supporters launched movements for her at home and abroad.
Expressing her gratefulness to them, the AL chief said, "The AL has proved how to work jointly during critical times."
The former prime minister said people had been happy during her regime.
But the country now lagged behind in different areas, as the AL had not returned to power again, she added.
