Prime Minister and Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina said the country’s people have given verdict through the Dec 30 polls against war criminals and anti-liberation forces.

“There will be no space for war criminals and anti-liberation forces on the soil of Bangladesh and the country will move only with the spirit of the Liberation War—it is the reality…we got that mandate from the people through the polls,” she said.

The prime minister made the remarks when a cross section of people extended heartfelt greetings to her at Ganabhaban on Tuesday (Jan 1) on the occasion of the Awami League’s absolute victory in the 11th Parliamentary Polls, reports state news agency BSS.

Ministers, political leaders, cultural personalities, artistes, poets, actors, singers, physicians, journalists, litterateurs, civil society members and senior civil and military officials greeted the prime minister by presenting bouquets.

Describing the Dec 30 national elections was very crucial for the country, the prime minister said besides the party leaders and workers, the people of all classes and professions worked heart and soul for the victory of boat, the electoral symbol of Awami League.

Expressing gratitude to the countrymen for the Awami League’s landslide victory, Sheikh Hasina said professionals starting from poets, artistes to litterateurs and even the common people were keen so that the boat could win in the elections.

“I express gratitude to the people of entire Bangladesh and I hope that Bangladesh will advance with the spirit of Liberation War,” she said.

The premier sought cooperation from the people of all classes and professions to maintain the development and progress in the country. “I seek cooperation from all so that the progress and development continue in the country.

“We will advance further politically, socially, economically and culturally and move on the world stage keeping our head high…we will be able to build Sonar Bangla as dreamt by Bangabandhu, Insha Allah,” she added.

The AL president expressed her firm belief to build Bangladesh as a hunger- and poverty-free country.

“Bangabandhu had liberated Bangladesh to establish it as a hunger- and poverty-free country and it’s my firm belief that it will able able to achieve this goal,” she said.