Key highlights:
- Urged her party for an unblemished, fair, and calm election on January 7
- Promised to enhance Burimari land port and execute the Teesta Master Plan if elected
- Highlighted the ‘Boat’ symbol as a representation of economic freedom and Bangladesh’s development
- Emphasized the need for people’s participation, ensuring voters can freely choose their candidates
- Warned against conflict and violence, stating severe consequences for any involvement
Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged her party members to ensure an unblemished, fair, and calm national election on January 7. Her reiterated plea is to cast votes for the “Boat” symbol, emphasizing the need for continuity in the nation’s development trajectory.
You will work for holding the next general election in a free, fair, and peaceful manner so that none can raise any question about the polls,” she said.
The AL chief asked her party men to ensure the participation of the people in the next polls so that they could vote freely for the candidates of their choice. Addressing concerns raised by certain parties opting out due to doubts about fairness, she underscored the importance of people’s participation, highlighting the history of previous elections where fairness was unquestioned.
On Thursday (December 21) Speaking at several virtual rallies across divisions in Bangladesh, she reiterated the importance of conducting an election that would stand unquestionable in its fairness.
Emphasizing Voter Participation
“Participation of the people and the voters in the upcoming election is a must. It matters nothing which party is taking part in the election or not.”
– Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
The Awami League chief urged party members to actively facilitate public engagement, ensuring ample participation in the upcoming polls, emphasizing the significance of citizens freely electing their preferred candidates, regardless of party affiliations.
The Awami League chief sought votes for her party in the election saying that the people had gained the independence of the country in 1971 by voting for this symbol. Now Presently, by voting for the ‘Boat,’ the populace has attained economic freedom, elevating Bangladesh to a developing nation.
Furthermore, the premier urged all candidates and their supporters to conduct the election proceedings peacefully, ensuring no room for allegations. The emphasis was on a smooth electoral process to encourage high voter turnout at polling stations.
The Bangladeshi government has proactively taken measures to guarantee a free, fair, and participatory election. However, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat are deliberately creating disruptions through sabotage and alleged international conspiracies. They are threatening to boycott the parliamentary election and disrupt the process’s peaceful conduct.
Additionally, they are advocating for the revival of the caretaker government system, which is deemed unconstitutional as per the present constitution of Bangladesh.
Warning Against Disruption and Violence
Highlighting the BNP’s decision to abstain due to apprehensions about vote manipulation not only indicates the party’s concerns but also raises questions about the integrity of the electoral framework. The reference to the 2008 election, characterized as fair and where the BNP-led alliance secured a limited number of seats, serves as a backdrop to their current reluctance.
Zero Tolerance for Violence
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called for keeping peace while campaigning for the upcoming January 7 national election and issued a clear warning that even her party members won’t be spared if found involved in any conflict.
Expressing zero tolerance for any violent acts related to the election, Sheikh Hasina firmly warned her party members of severe consequences if found involved. She reiterated her commitment to taking appropriate measures against any form of violence that could disrupt the democratic process.
Condemning the recent arson attacks, Sheikh Hasina said, “if any violence happens and involvement of any of my partymen is found, they will not be spared. Keep in mind that I will take appropriate measures in this regard,”
Call for Continued Development
In her address, the premier expressed her plans to enhance the development of the Burimari land port situated in Lalmonirhat district. Additionally, upon winning the election, there’s a commitment to execute the Teesta Master Plan. During this address, the President of the Awami League urged Lalmonirhat’s populace to cast their votes in favor of the ‘Boat’ symbol. Seeking support for her party symbol ‘Boat,’ Sheikh Hasina urged voters to cast their ballots in favor of the Awami League for the continuation of developmental initiatives. She highlighted the achievements made under her leadership, aiming for a future Bangladesh free from poverty and hunger.
In recent years, Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress in its fight against poverty. This decline in poverty rates can be attributed to the country’s unwavering commitment to poverty reduction initiatives.
The government has placed a strong emphasis on poverty alleviation and has committed to eliminating poverty through strategic economic development.
To keep the momentum of development Jononetri Sheikh Hasina must be elected again. Her vision-2041 which has been adopted to raise Bangladesh’s status as a developed country will require that Awami League forms the Government again.
Strong Warning as BNP’s Arson Attacks Claim Lives
The recent surge in violent tactics by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) poses a serious threat to public safety and the electoral process. The recurring incidents of arson, particularly on trains, demand a comprehensive strategy to address the escalating violence.
While Bangladesh is now in a festive mood to welcome the forthcoming elections scheduled for January 7, BNP’s activist activists are setting fire to buses, trains and killing innocent people. At least 15 people have died for BNP’s brutal campaign since October 28, when the party failed to wage mass movement and chose to spread the ring of fire across the county. BNP’s ongoing acts of terrorism saw a dramatic uptick after the failed October 28 rally when people vehemently rejected BNP’s call to unseat the government.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s impassioned calls for a fair election and her commitment to the democratic process underscore the significance of an inclusive and transparent electoral environment for Bangladesh’s continued growth and progress.
