Symbol mattered as in 1970: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the people of Bangladesh cast their votes this time considering the symbol, not the candidates, as they did in 1970.

“This election was like that of 1970. The people cast their votes because of the symbol ...,” she said.

She said this when outgoing Indian High Commissioner Harsh Vardhan Shringla met her at Gono Bhaban. PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.

Describing Sunday's election as a peaceful one, Hasina said it had been possible due to cooperation of all, including the civil administration and armed forces, police, Border Guard Bangladesh, Ansar and Bangladesh Coast Guard.

The Indian high commissioner extended his heartiest congratulations to Hasina on her party's landslide victory. He said AL's massive victory in the election is the reflection of the stunning development that Bangladesh attained over the last 10 years.

The Indian envoy highly appreciated Bangladesh's socioeconomic development under the leadership of Hasina, saying the country is now a changed regional power in terms of economic development and women empowerment.

PM's International Affairs Adviser Dr Gowher Rizvi, Principal Secretary Nojibur Rahman, Military Secretary Maj Gen Mia Mohammad Zainul Abedin and the high commissioner's wife were present.