Polls will be fair, I hope all parties join
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday told parliament that she hoped the next national election would be held in a free and fair manner with spontaneous participation of all political parties.
She added that her government has taken 11 "significant" measures to make the polls more acceptable and inclusive.
The measures include ensuring environment to carry out party activities smoothly and for participation of all political parties in the election.
The PM was replying to a query from Syed Abu Hossain, opposition Jatiya Party lawmaker from Dhaka-4 (Demra-Shyampur).
In her written answer, Hasina, also leader of the House, said as per article 118 (4) of the constitution, the Election Commission is an independent and constitutional body.
"The chief election commissioner and other commissioners carry out their respective work independently in line with the constitution and the law. The government assists the Election Commission as per its requirement."
The EC will remain independent in carrying out its activities and it will remain only under the jurisdiction of the constitution and the law. It is the duty of the government and the executive authority to assist the EC in carrying out its activities, the PM said.
"It is the Awami League that has been playing a leading role in flourishing and advancing the country's democracy. Therefore, the present government led by Awami League has been playing a sincere and positive role in creating a suitable environment for holding a free, fair and acceptable election," said Hasina, also president of ruling Awami League.
Saying that election is an essential element in the democratic system, she said the role of AL in protecting Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty and democracy is historical and undeniable.
11 MEASURES
In the written reply, the premier outlined the 11 "significant" measures for conducting the next polls in more acceptable and participatory manner.
The measures include the EC formulation law in line with article 118 (1) of the constitution to hold local body and national elections in an acceptable and neutral manner.
Hasina added that 22 amendment proposals of opposition parties were accepted during placing of "Appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Bill" that is the first step of making the polls acceptable, free, fair and neutral.
She said voter list with photographs has been prepared for an acceptable election. Transparent ballot boxes have been ensured at the polling centres. Besides, electronic voting machines with modern system have been introduced, the PM added.
Hasina also replied to other issues, including her government's plan to create awareness at school level to prevent road accidents, recovering grabbed playgrounds in Dhaka and other major cities, modernising the Chattogram Port and upgradation of roads in southern districts.
With Speaker Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair, yesterday's question-answer session was tabled.
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