“I firmly believe none can impede the advancement of Bangladesh as the Awami League is voted to power again,” Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina says.
Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina on Thursday (January 10) stated that due to the return of her party to power, no one will be able to hinder the progress on the path to prosperity in Bangladesh. She expressed confidence that Awami League’s return to power will not impede the country’s advancement.
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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made these remarks during a speech at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka yesterday, on the occasion of the historic ‘Swadesh Prottaborton Dibosh’ (Homecoming Day of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman) organized by the Bangladesh Awami League.
In her speech, she emphasized that she firmly believes that no one can obstruct Bangladesh’s journey towards progress with the Awami League back in power. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her confidence that the Awami League’s return to power will not allow anyone to derail the country’s progress.
2024 Election
At the rally, Awami League President Sheikh Hasina strongly defended the legitimacy of the 12th parliamentary election, emphasizing transparency, non-interference, and the resilience of democracy. The celebration of Bangabandhu’s homecoming day added a historical dimension to the event, reinforcing the commitment to the principles that guide the nation.
Awami League President Sheikh Hasina declared the election to be free from any malpractices, stating, “Nobody can say ballots were cast at night instead of daytime or votes were rigged during this election.” She attributed the success of the election to its transparent, free, and neutral conduct, ensuring the will of the people prevailed.
The people of Bangladesh have indeed accepted the election, and have shown their trust and support for Hasina and her vision. The people have chosen democracy stability, and harmony over chaos, corruption, and violence. The election is not only a victory for democracy but also for Bangladesh and its future. In her speech, Sheikh Hasina stated that many people have diverse dreams. Many had tried to halt this election, but their efforts were in vain. Although attempts were made to discourage people from voting, 41.8% of the votes were still cast. It’s not a straightforward matter. Due to this, whenever Awami League and its allied party voted, another party tried to obstruct the election. And there is no opportunity for any questions to arise in this election. Because, an extremely transparent, unbiased, and impartial election has taken place this time, which you all have witnessed. For this reason, she says, by law, they have granted complete independence to the Election Commission and have not interfered in the election but provided assistance without any meddling.
“We have not made any interventions; rather, we have provided assistance. Along with that, everything, starting from the law-enforcement agencies and administration, was handed over to the Election Commission’s control. So that the election remains free and fair,” she says.
EC’s Neutral Efforts
The 12th national election polls were held under the watchful eyes of nearly 300 observers and journalists, who were authorized by the Election Commission (EC) to ensure a democratic, impartial, and trustworthy electoral process. The EC had repeatedly invited the major opposition party, BNP, to join the polls and promised a fair election. However, the BNP and some of its allies chose to boycott the polls and unleashed violence across the country. The EC’s neutral efforts were in vain, as the BNP’s absence from the election was sealed by its own decision.
She also stated that if the Awami League did not come to power, the country would not have been able to move forward.
Role Model
As Bangladesh is progressing on all fronts, it is seen as a role model for development worldwide. However, within the country, there are elements such as middlemen and some external individuals who do not appreciate this progress. It seems as though they would prefer an authoritarian government. Awami League acknowledges the challenges faced by the current government, including recurring conspiracies and the difficulty of governing democratically.
Expressing gratitude, the speaker notes that the people of the country have overlooked all obstacles and participated in elections. She highlights various incidents of violence and tragedy, such as strikes, blockades, arson, and attacks on trains resulting in casualties. Despite such destructive actions reminiscent of the years 2013 and 2014, the people have actively participated in the elections, even with leaflets discouraging voting. The speaker expresses thanks to the people for their involvement in the election and support for the Awami League.
Referring to the historical event of January 10, 1972, when the daughter of the Father of the Nation returned from Pakistani captivity, the Awami League Chief recounts that through her, the nation achieved complete freedom. The historic speech delivered in the Suhrawardy Udyan is remembered for outlining the future, development, and plans for the country, the vision of bringing smiles to the faces of the distressed, and the ideals of the great liberation war.
