Never thought so many fresh lives would be lost: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged the United Nations and other international organizations to help ensure a fair investigation and to hold accountable those responsible for the nationwide riots that exploited the anti-quota movement.

The Prime Minister stated, "Under the pretext of the movement, destructive actions have occurred, leading to the loss of many lives. I never imagined that such a situation would develop at this time, resulting in the tragic loss of so many young lives."

The premier made these remarks as the chief guest while formally inaugurating a week-long 'National Fisheries Week-2024' at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in the capital on Wednesday.

Sheikh Hasina said the massive destruction of establishments alongside deaths of many people have taken place in the name of anti-quota movement.

But, the fact was that there was no issue to go for movement as the government had earlier met their all demands including their main demand of quota reform, she said.

"It was a matter of great regret," she added.

The prime minister said her government had earlier issued a notification canceling the quota system.

She said, "To me, power is not a thing to enjoy. I am not coming to power to live a lavish life. I am doing hard work day and night to make Bangladesh developed. And I have done it successfully."

At the function, she conferred them with the medals -six gold medals, eight silver medals and eight bronze medals- and certificates.

The 22 medal recipients include 15 farm owners, two fisheries officers, a project director, a university teacher, an association leader, a project and a committee.

She, as well, handed over smart ID cards among the two registered fishermen.