A day after the polls that gifted the Awami League more than two-thirds majority for the consecutive second term, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the new government would contain “violence of the BNP-Jamaat” at any cost for restoring normalcy in civic life.
Hasina said she was happy to see holding of the election in a “free and fair” manner braving the threats of opposition BNP-Jamaat which announced all-out movement to resist the polls.
Briefing reporters at her Ganabhaban residence, the premier directed the administration, and members of the army and other law enforcement agencies to contain “post-election violence and terrorism” with a strong hand.
The prime minister said she would welcome the BNP to a dialogue, provided that it would stop “violence” and abandon “militant” Jamaat which had been largely responsible for the countrywide violence.
“No constructive discussion is possible as long as the Jamaat is on its [BNP’s] shoulder.”
About the 11th parliamentary elections, she said: “We can come up with a solution by having talks about the next elections. For that, everyone will have to be patient, tolerant and stop all kinds of political violence.”
Hasina also mentioned that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia had lost everything – the elections and the post of opposition leader in parliament.
She said the new government would try the BNP-Jamaat activists who were involved in the recent arson attacks and killings of common people “to resist the 10th general elections.”
She said her party, which earned international commendation for its anti-militancy measures resulting in the elimination of all dens of the Indian insurgents in Bangladesh in the last five years, would maintain its zero tolerance against militancy.
“I want to make it clear: the very first duty of the elected government will be to ensure safety of the people’s lives and property, and to protect the state property at any cost,” said Hasina, also the AL president.
The premier also reiterated her government’s resolve to continue the war crimes trial and executing the judgements delivered against war criminals.
“The fundamentalist and the communal forces will be handled with an iron hand,” she said.
Answering to a question on whether the government would ban Jamaat-e-Islami, she said the High Court had scrapped its registration “earmarking it as a terrorist organisation.”
Hasina refused to comment further saying that a law suit on Jamaat’s ban question had been pending with the court.
The premier also sought international support for ensuring peace, political stability and continuing the constitutional rule and democracy in Bangladesh.
She said the new government would adopt strict measures to protect business and industrial production units and the export sector from political violence. Necessary measures to guarantee smooth civic life would follow.
“Those caused damage to the property and burnt people to death will not be spared. Strict [legal] actions will follow against them; they will face trial,” said the prime minister in response to another question.
Hasina said the opposition alliance tried to block the polls, but failed. “I am happy as the people have exercised their franchise. Whatever turnout has been recorded is enough,” she said.
Differing on the legitimacy of the polls, she said the elections had been peaceful in more than 18,000 polling centres, with a few exceptions. “I do not believe that questions can be raised against such elections,” she said, mentioning that many countries had elections worse than this.
The AL chief also rejected the possibility of any international embargo which could be slapped because of holding an election without the main opposition. She said Bangladesh had not committed any offence for which it might have to face sanctions.
She alleged that those trying to see such embargo did not believe in Bangladesh’s independence and continuation of democratic practices.
The premier said she wanted to form a government accommodating all parties interested in. “But we must have an opposition, too,” she said with a smile.
Expressing gratitude to the countrymen for casting vote for her government, the prime minister said: “I want to assure the nation that we will implement the election pledges.”
Senior ministers, party leaders and officials of the Prime Minister’s Office were present at the briefing.
