Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday urged the people to exercise their voting rights in Sunday's election to prove that democracy prevails in Bangladesh.
“Go to polling stations and cast votes to foil conspiracies against the polls,” she said.
The Awami League chief was addressing a grand election rally at AKM Shamsuzzoha Krira Complex Ground in Fatullah under Narayanganj, her last public meeting ahead of January 7 parliamentary vote.
She said Bangladesh has witnessed a massive development due to the continuation of a democratic trend in the country.
The Awami League president asked all the people to maintain peace during the 12th parliamentary election slated for January 7 as many conspiracies were hatched regarding this election.
“These plots still continue so that this election won’t be held,” she said.
Criticising BNP for unleashing violence, the prime minister said there is no humanity among them.
Because the BNP lost 30 seats in the 2008 elections, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the party is scared to participate in the election. They utilize terrorism to thwart the election as a result.
“They have not joined the election. It is their wish. But the people of this country would never accept the obstruction on voting rights,” she added.
“We won the 2008 elections. We had a grand coalition headed by the Awami League and a 20-party alliance led by the BNP. The Awami League won 233 seats in the election. BNP only received 30 seats. Those who were in our alliance took in the remainder. The BNP has since decided not to attend the election. They're terrified,” the prime minister added.
Sheikh Hasina claimed that in order to avert the 2014 elections, arson was first used in 2013. Over three thousand individuals were burnt. Of them, 500 perished. burned over 3800 automobiles. They are still working together to rig the election. Since they are unable to win the election, they nevertheless wish to carry out the same actions.
Stressing that the election must be held on January 7, Hasina urged all to stay alert so that they (BNP) won't destroy the public assets.
In the rally, the prime minister sought votes for her party-nominated candidates — Golam Dastagir Gazi (Narayanganj-1 constituency), Shamim Osman (Narayanganj-4), Nazrul Islam Babu (Narayanganj-2) and Abdullah Al Kaiser (Narayanganj-3) — in the January-7 election.
Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader and Narayanganj-4 MP Shamim Osman spoke at the rally, presided over by Narayanganj District Awami League President Abdul Hye.
Hasina mounted the large boat-shaped stage at 3:13pm and waved the national flag to a roaring response of the participants.
Bangladesh Awami Jubo League Chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, Narayanganj City Corporation Mayor Selina Hayat Ivy and Narayanganj-5 MP AKM Salim Osman, four Awami League candidates, among others, were present on the stage.
Awami League leaders and supporters started swarming to the venue with processions, chanting slogans and carrying placards in hands from different parts of Narayanganj district since the morning. The ground was filled to the brim with the people of all strata of life.
The entire Narayanganj city wore a festive look as the roads were decorated with various posters, banners and placards welcoming Sheikh Hasina.
