Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina here on Thursday sought the wholehearted cooperation of people in freeing the country from terrorism, militancy and drug addiction.

"The goal ahead of us is to expedite the country's development through implementing various development initiatives by curbing terrorism and militancy, and we seek your cooperation in materialising this goal," she said.

The Prime Minister said this in her introductory speech during a videoconference at her official residence Ganobhaban with local administration, public representatives and people from all strata of four districts under Mymensingh division.

The videoconference was arranged aiming to bolster her stance against terrorism and militancy, and highlight the various development initiatives of her government.

The PM's videoconference, connected to 4019 points of Mymensingh, Netrakona, Jamalpur and Sherpur, reached out to some 28 lakh people.

Expressing her firm resolve that Bangladesh is marching forward and will continue to move ahead, Hasina sought the cooperation of all in turning Bangladesh into a mid-income country by 2021 and a prosperous one by 2041.

Mentioning that Islam never allows terrorism, militancy and the killing of innocent people, she said, "We'll have to free the country's people from these two menaces by any means."

The Prime Minister regretted it is quite unfortunate for the entire Muslim world that although Islam is a religion of peace, solidarity, brotherhood and humanity, this sacred religion is being maligned with misdeeds, suicidal attacks, and the killing of innocent human beings by a section.

She renewed her call to all, including teachers, guardians, Alem-Ulema and professionals, to remain alert about their children. "You'll have to keep in touch with your children so that they aren't confused and misguided."

Hasina also said everybody will perform their respective religions. "It's our policy. Secularism dose not mean disbelieving in any religion and everyone will perform their respective religions," she added.

Posing a question she said, "Why are terrorism, militancy and suicidal bomb attacks being unleashed in the country when Bangladesh is moving towards the path of light leaving behind darkness and when it is being regarded as a role model of development?"

The Prime Minister also said committing suicide or unleashing any suicidal attempt is a great sin and those who commit such crimes will go to hell as Islam doesn't accept suicide. "All will have to remain united today so that people can live in peace."

She also renewed her commitment to rehabilitating those who will sever ties with terrorism, militancy and drug addiction.

Referring to the recent flashflood in the country's Haor areas, including Netrakona district, that caused damage to huge crops and paddy, and inflicted to untold sufferings on farmers, Hasina said her government has taken prompt measures to compensate the farmers as it started distributing food grains among them so that no one has to suffer for food.

She also announced that steps will be taken to stop realisation of agricultural credit as well as interest from farmers in the flood-hit areas.

The Prime Minister thanked the officials of the administration of Mymensingh for their noble endeavour of giving their one-day salary to rehabilitate beggars and those indulged in terrorism and drug addiction.

She also called upon the affluent section of society to come forward with such noble gesture so that there remains no beggar in the country while the children and youth do not indulge in terrorism and militancy.

Hasina asked all concerned, including the administration, to be careful about proper implementation of development projects to reach their benefits to common people.

Agriculture Minister Begum Matia Chowdhury, Information Minister Hasanul Haque Inu and Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, MPs, secretaries concerned were present on the occasion at Ganobhaban. Principal Secretary Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury moderated the videoconference.

Religious Affairs Minister Principal Matior Rahman, State Minister for Textiles and Jute Mirza Azam, Whip SM Atique, Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports Arif Khan Joy were, among others, present in their respective districts during the videoconference while Netrakona Zila Parishad Chairman Proshanto Kumar Roy also spoke on the occasion.