DHAKA: Former president Ziaur Rahman wanted to erase the name of Awami League, commented country’s incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

She further said that Zia wanted to destroy the spirit of country’s war of independence as well as its history.

The former president gave shelter to the country’s existing anti-liberation elements, the premier commented.

Hasina, also Awami League president, addressed a discussion program at her official resident Gana Bhaban on Saturday on the occasion of her 33rd Home Coming Day.

She further said that Zia killed freedom fighters in the army one after another. He as the president and the army chief committed these crimes. There were from 18 to 19 coups during his time.

The PM said, ‘I return to the country in such a political turmoil in 1981. Only courage and support from Awami League activists were with me’.

She recalled her memories of that time with a grave voice saying there were curfews at nights. ‘I could not go to 32 no house in Dhanmondi.’

‘When I returned to the country, I saw hundreds of thousands people. But I could not see those faces those were once nearer to me.’

‘I see their graves at the Banani Graveyard,’ she added.

‘In that terrible situation, I always thought about the revival of Awami League as well as the restoration of democracy in the country.’

‘I faced a lot of problems in those days, but I did not lose courage, she added.’

‘I am a daughter of the Father of the Nation. I do not need other identities.’

‘Almighty Allah sends people to do their responsibilities. I want to do my duties bestowed to me. If I do my duties with courage, Allah will save me.’

‘My father’s dreams were to sweep out pains from the faces of people. These are my dreams too. I will not bow to anyone except Allah to fulfill me dreams.’

Recalling the memories of her mother Fazilatunnesa Mujib, the premier said that when her father was in jails, her mother used to manage the party.

She paid tribute to the party leaders and activists who played an important role in restoring democracy in the country.

She also remembered them, who helped her and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana in London after the killings of her family members on August 15 in 1875.

Among others, Awami League presidium member, also deputy leader in the national parliament Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury spoke at the program, moderated by Awami League general secretary Syed Ashraful islam.

BDST: 1453 HRS, MAY 17, 2014