Next national polls vital for democracy

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has said the next general election is vital for democracy.

Speaking at a civic reception accorded to him at the Government Edward College in Pabna yesterday, the president said election is the only way to bring change in power. 

He said people have to assess the candidates before electing their representatives.

"Violence and envy in the name of politics cannot bring any good for the country, the society, and the economy," he observed.

The president said all should reach a consensus through talks to strengthen democracy.

Shahabuddin, also a former commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission, said Bangladesh has become a role model of development in the world because of the continuation of Awami League rule over the last 14 years.

He said Bangladesh takes loans and repay those on time. "It never defaults on loans…. Bangladesh rather financially supported Sri Lanka when they were in a crisis."

Referring to the corruption allegation brought by the World Bank in the Padma bridge project, the president said it was a conspiracy.

The World Bank brought a false and baseless allegation, he said, adding that his investigation proved that the allegation was not true.

Deputy Speaker Shamsul Haque Tuku, local lawmakers Golam Faruk Khandakar Prince, Mokbul Hossain, Ahmed Firoz Kabir, Nuruzzaman Bishwas, and Nadira Yeasmin Joly, and Managing Director of Maasranga Television and also the convener of Nagorik Somaj Anjan Chowdhury, among others, addressed the reception, chaired by valiant freedom fighter and social worker Baby Islam.

Earlier in the day, Shahabuddin joined a views-exchange meeting with local journalists at the Pabna Press Club.

He also inaugurated Square Science and Life Plant in the town's BSCIC area.

The president reached Pabna town on Monday on a four-day visit. This is his first official visit to his home district after becoming president.