The Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said she should not be lectured on holding “free and fair elections” as it was her party which established voting rights of the people in the country.
“No need to teach me about free and neutral elections. Because, we’ve established the voting rights of the people of Bangladesh through struggles and movements under the leadership of Awami League,” she told a press conference in the capital.
The premier said this while replying to a question at a press conference organised at her official residence Gono Bhaban in the afternoon about the outcomes of her recent visit to the United States where she joined the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
She said whenever free and fair polls were held, the people voted for her party. “This economic development has happened now [in the country] as we’ve been in power in a row [for three consecutive terms].”
Hasina, also the AL president, wondered why so many questions springing up regarding the election now.
Bangladesh is due to hold the next general election in the first week of next January.
The PM said she told the international community that once Bangladesh had governments of the army, by the army and for the generals.
It has changed now, she said, adding, “It was us who established the government of the people, by the people and for the people.”
Sensing foul play in the call for free and fair elections, she said, “I doubt why all are talking about free and fair elections when the country is marching forward economically. I have suspicions. Actually, it is an attempt to thwart the election,” she added.
In an oblique reference to BNP, she said those who know that they won’t get votes in the election are now currying favours with foreigners.
“I don’t know if those who are in international stage understand the ground reality here, but they’ve been harping on the same string and playing the broken record,” said the PM.
Source: The Daoly Star
