Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the next general election would be free and fair.

Inaugurating the 22nd national council of Awami League at the capital's Suhrawardy Udyan, she also highlighted how her government enacted a law to form the Election Commission.

"If we had an intention of stealing people's votes, we would have formed an Aziz-style election commission as Khaleda Zia did [in 2005]. But we did not do that because we have the confidence and trust in people," said Hasina, also the president of the ruling AL.

The PM said her party established voting rights in the country, bringing an end to the previous culture of snatching votes by appointing motorcycle-riding hoodlums.

"The Awami League has introduced a slogan: 'My vote, my choice'. And it is the only party that ensures the people's voting rights, which is their democratic and constitutional right," she said.

She also said her government proposed preparing a voter list with photographs in order to prevent casting of fake votes and introducing transparent ballot boxes so that none can fill the boxes before polling began.

She said her government made the EC completely independent by giving it budgetary allocation which was previously entrusted with the Prime Minister's Office.

The government does not intervene in any way during the formation of the EC, she added.

The AL could not come to power in 2001 due to conspiracies, she said.

"I will not let [even] a simple interest of Bangladesh go to the hands of anyone until my death, it was my promise." This might be the reason why the party could not return to power in 2001, she said.

"But I have no regrets."

The AL leaders and activists will march ahead in unison by confronting all conspiracies and hurdles and build a prosperous, developed and smart Bangladesh by 2041, she said.

Earlier, around 10:30am, Hasina inaugurated the council by hoisting the national flag and releasing pigeons and balloons at Suhrawardy Udyan amid tight security.

The council started with a colourful cultural programme portraying the history of the Bangalees, Bangladesh and the AL.

Some of the foreign envoys stationed in Dhaka alongside dignitaries, the Speaker of parliament, ministers, members of parliament, and representatives from various political parties including the 14-party alliance and Jatiya Party were present.

However, no BNP leader was seen at the council.

Referring to the Russia-Ukraine war, the PM said that due to sanctions and counter sanctions, even the developed countries are facing economic recession, and prices of goods, particularly the imported items, are skyrocketing.

"We have still been able to move the country's economy forward…

"I urge the world leaders, please stop the Ukraine-Russia war… We want peace."

Bangladesh does not want the war and sanctions as they have caused sufferings to humanity, particularly women and children, she said, recalling experiences of the Liberation War.