Polls will be held no matter what: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has categorically said that the next general election will be held no matter what and that the people will exercise their voting rights freely, defying the move by the BNP to foil the election.
She was addressing a grand rally, organised by Dhaka city (north) Awami League, at a field in the Civil Aviation Authority's residential area in Kawla yesterday.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The rally was initially scheduled for October 7, marking the soft opening of the third terminal of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, but it was deferred due to inclement weather.
Hasina, also the AL president, said if a party of looters, corrupt people, killers, and thieves like the BNP come to power, it will destroy the country.
"Don't let them destroy the country. Only the symbol of 'boat' can advance the country. I urge you to cast your votes for 'boat' in the next general election."
The PM said the BNP is in a dilemma over participation in the parliamentary polls.
"Who will be the prime minister from their party? Will it be that corrupt absconding suspect or that embezzler of orphans' money? Who will be their leader in the election? That's why they are trying to foil the polls."
Hasina said the BNP knows very well that votes will be cast for "boat" if the election is held, the AL will come to power, and the country's development will be expedited further.
She said that the BNP previously wanted to foil elections and snatch away the people's voting rights. "I request the people to stay alert so that they [BNP] cannot do this."
The PM said that she will be in power if the people vote for "boat", the AL's electoral symbol, otherwise, she won't. "But I will continue my work for the welfare of the people."
Seeking votes for her party, Hasina said, "If you want development, vote for 'boat'. Or if you want destruction, go for BNP-Jamaat."
She said the BNP seeks support from foreigners, but this would not yield any results.
"People are the biggest power. I believe in the power of the people, I have confidence in the people."
Hasina said that Bangladesh witnessed massive development because the people voted for the AL in 2008, 2014, and 2018 general elections.
In this regard, she referred to different mega projects, including the Padma Bridge, metro rail, elevated expressway, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, third terminal of the Dhaka airport, and tunnel under the Karnaphuli in Chattogram.
"Also, a circular elevated expressway, underground train, and other big development projects will be underway in Dhaka to ease the suffering of the people," she said.
Calling upon the people to find out the hoarders and black marketers, the PM said that the government will take stern action against those so that people don't endure suffering.
AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader, presidium members Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, Shajahan Khan and Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Joint General Secretary Hasan Mahmud, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, and Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Atiqul Islam, among others, also spoke at the rally.
Comments