Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday vowed to hold the next parliamentary polls in accordance with the constitution, brushing aside the main opposition BNP’s demand for restoration of the election-time caretaker government system.
Hasina also claimed that the constitution was amended so that no military-backed government, or others, could usurp state power unconstitutionally. The 15th amendment in 2011 scrapped the caretaker provision.
Hasina, also president of the ruling Awami League, clarified her position in an introductory speech at a meeting of the party’s advisory council yesterday at Gana Bhaban, the prime minister’s official residence.
“The elections will be held under the constitutional provisions, and power transfer will also take place constitutionally,” Hasina said. “We have to start the trend of holding elections under the constitutional provisions.”
Addressing members of the party’s think-tank, Hasina criticised certain civil society members, who, she claimed, were out to capture power forcefully.
"In our country, there are some people who dream of usurping state power, but dare not contest elections, as they do not have people’s support.
Those who want to capture power forcefully, have no love for the people,” she said.
Regarding the short-lived, one-party BKSAL (Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League) system of 1975, introduced by then president Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman, Hasina said: “Questions should not arise of one party, rather Bangabandhu created opportunities for other parties to have a taste of power. Through the BKSAL, Bangabandhu made a clarion call for national unity."
The AL chief also posed a question to the critics of BKSAL, saying, “Were the military dictators better? The nation got 19 coups after the brutal carnage in 1975.”
She also came down heavily against the critics of the government, saying despite her heartiest attempts, she would not stand by to see those blind critics negate the development activities carried out by her government.
The AL president also urged the people to remain alert against such critics who, she said, are trying to mislead them.
