‘Seeking votes is my political right’

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said seeking votes in favour of her party and its symbol is her political right and she will continue to do that. ““I am the chief of Awami League, and seeking votes for my party is my political right. I will seek votes for my party wherever I go,” she said in response to criticism by BNP leaders that she was using state resources to campaign for her party. The prime minister made the statement in her speech at the Awami League Central Working Committee (ALCWC) meeting at her official residence Ganabhaban on Saturday. Sheikh Hasina said the next general election will be held on time and all have to go to the people of Bangladesh for votes. “We will have to convince people that only casting votes for Boat can bring prosperity in their lives,” she said. She mentioned that the people of Bangladesh got independence, their mother tongue and development in rural areas after casting votes for Boat symbol. Sheikh Hasina, also the Awami League chief, said it is the responsibility and duty of her party to develop Bangladesh. “The trust of people is our main inspiration to do everything for them and the country,” she said.

PM Hasina orders action on rebel party leaders over polls defeats

During the meeting, Prime minister Sheikh Hasina also ordered an investigation into the party’s defeats in the polls to the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) as well as various union parishads and municipalities. Party leaders at the meeting claimed that the losses were a result of internal conflicts. A committee led by Awami League presidium member Kazi Zafarullah has been formed to investigate the causes of the defeat in the SCBA polls. It was asked to submit a report within 15 days, Awami League presidium member Colonel (Rtd) Faruq Khan told the Dhaka Tribune over the phone. Regarding the party’s defeats in a number of union parishad and municipality polls that were held on Thursday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked General Secretary Obaidul Quader to find rebel candidates who participated in election and leaders who worked against party nominated candidates. Meanwhile, it was also decided at the meeting that the council of Bangladesh Chhatra League would be held within the first two weeks of May.