National
PM Sheikh Hasina Calls for Public Support in Ensuring Fair Elections
Awami League (AL) President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has appealed to the nation for their blessings in ensuring a fair and peaceful election, emphasizing the pivotal role of votes in bringing about a change in government.
Speaking at the launch of AL nomination forms for the 12th parliamentary elections, Sheikh Hasina urged citizens to stay vigilant against those resorting to arson terrorism to disrupt the electoral process, emphasizing the hard-fought establishment of voting rights. She expressed gratitude to political parties participating in the elections, cautioning against attempts to sabotage the democratic system. Sheikh Hasina also highlighted the destructive impact of past instances of arson terrorism and called for collective resistance against such actions.
In a demonstration of democratic continuity since 2009, Sheikh Hasina credited the country’s socioeconomic progress to the steadfast democratic system. She reiterated the call to resist those attempting to disrupt elections through violence and urged the public not to allow any hindrance to the hard-earned democracy. Emphasizing the people’s right to vote and choose their representatives, Sheikh Hasina expressed confidence that attempts to undermine the electoral process would face consequences. Regarding the AL nomination process, she assured that eligible candidates would be chosen through a thorough selection process involving input from the grassroots level.
In the context of the nomination process, booths have been set up at the AL central office for the distribution of nomination forms across divisions. Aspirants are allowed to collect and submit nomination papers between November 18 and November 21. The application process involves candidates or their representatives providing a photocopy of the National Identity Card (NID) along with essential details. Nomination forms must be submitted by 4 pm on November 21.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal emphasized his strong commitment to conducting a transparent and impartial national election scheduled for January 7 next year.
“We are determined to ensure a fair and credible election to safeguard the country’s economy and future,” he stated.
Addressing the first phase of a daylong training for divisional officials at the Election Commission (EC), the CEC mentioned that the EC is actively working to prevent the influence of muscle power, black money, and irregularities.
In reference to the training program, Awal underscored the importance of providing intensive training on electoral rules and regulations to enable members of the electoral investigative committee to perform their duties accurately.
While acknowledging the collaborative effort required, the CEC expressed that it would be impossible for the EC alone to organize a genuinely fair election without government support and the sincerity, bravery, and integrity of officials assisting in the process.
“We must ensure that voters can participate in hassle-free voting, and allegations from candidates will only be considered if polling agents are present at the polling centers,” he added.
The CEC emphasized the EC’s pursuit of an uncontroversial election result, stating, “For the sake of the country’s democracy and economy, we have no alternative but to conduct a free and fair election.”
The ruling Awami League has selected former Bangladesh cricket captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza as its candidate for the upcoming 12th national parliamentary election from the Narail-2 constituency. This decision was announced by Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader during a press briefing on Sunday.
Despite competition from 23 other leaders vying for the Awami League’s nomination in the Narail-2 constituency, the party opted to retain the incumbent MP, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, for the upcoming election.
The Awami League has selected cricketer Shakib Al Hasan as their candidate for the Magura-1 constituency in the upcoming 12th parliamentary election. This marks Shakib’s debut in parliamentary elections, and he is renowned as the world’s best all-rounder in ODIs.
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader unveiled the party’s 300 parliamentary seat nominees at the central office on Bangabandhu Avenue. Shakib Al Hasan had previously obtained three nomination forms to contest in the 12th parliamentary election, covering Magura-1, Magura-2, and Dhaka-10, with his relatives collecting the forms from the AL central office.
