Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday said that the caretaker government issue was not discussed with anyone during her visits to the United States and the United Kingdom.
She made these remarks in response to journalists at a press conference at her official residence, Ganabhaban, in Dhaka, briefing the media about her recent trip to the United States for the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
"Nobody asked me about the caretaker government issue. In fact, it was not discussed at all,” the premier remarked.
“We had our share of experiences with the caretaker government in 2007-08. Why would anyone revisit that? That system was undermined by the BNP,” she said.
Awami League fought for democracy
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, ahead of Bangladesh's 12th national election, stressed her government's commitment to upholding citizens' voting rights, saying: “No one needs to instruct me on how to conduct a free and fair election."
“We, the Awami League, led the movement and fought for people’s voting rights in Bangladesh. Voting rights were established due to our movement, leading the people to vote for us repeatedly, entrusting us with state power,” she said.
“This trust has facilitated the country's economic development,” she added.
"After the assassination of the Father of the Nation on August 15, 1975, the Awami League restored the democracy that was confined to the cantonment. The Awami League and its alliance have jointly sacrificed much to regain democracy, which I communicated to them in the US," the prime minister said.
BNP wants to hinder election
PM Hasina cast doubt on the BNP and its allies' genuine intentions behind their persistent demands for fair and free elections, questioning: "Why is there now a sudden surge in queries about elections? The nation is progressing swiftly. I suspect the actual goal is to hinder the election."
“Those who illegally seized power should avoid advising us on fair elections,” she added.
Awami League’s efforts to restore democracy
The premier reminisced about the Awami League's relentless endeavours to restore the right to vote in Bangladesh following prolonged military rule.
She spotlighted the electoral reforms implemented by her government, including the initiation of voter lists with photographs and transparent ballot boxes.
“Significant legislative measures were introduced to set up an autonomous Election Commission, previously under the total jurisdiction of the Prime Minister's Office,” the premier said.
US visa policy
As the elections approached and the United States announced visa restrictions on individuals from Bangladesh seen as compromising the democratic process, PM Hasina firmly assured the ties between Washington-Dhaka relations remain harmonious.
"Our foreign policy stance is clear- 'Friendship to all, malice towards none'. We adhere to this and maintain harmonious ties with every nation,” she said.
Deputy Leader of Parliament Matia Chowdhury, Road Transport and Bridges Minister and Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam and MP Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim were also present at the press conference.
PM Hasina’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim conducted the press conference.
PM Hasina’s US, UK visit highlight
On Wednesday, Sheikh Hasina returned home from London after wrapping up her 16-day official visit to the US and the UK.
During her stay in New York, from September 17 to 22, the premier attended the 78th UNGA and other high-level side and bilateral events.
In Washington DC, from September 23-29, Sheikh Hasina attended a reception accorded to her by Bangladeshi expatriates in the United States and visited the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC.
The prime minister reached London from Washington DC on September 30 via a British Airways flight.
In London, from September 30 to October 3, Sheikh Hasina attended a reception hosted by the Bangladeshi community and held several courtesy calls with some dignitaries, including a delegation of the All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) led by Rushanara Ali, MP, chair of APPG on Bangladesh and Rohingya and the UK shadow minister for investment and small business.
