Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reaffirmed her government’s commitment to conducting the upcoming elections in Bangladesh fairly and without interference, emphasizing that the people of Bangladesh will not accept any external attempts to disrupt the electoral process. She made these remarks during a press conference held at the Bangladesh Mission in New York, where she was attending the 78th United Nations General Assembly.
The prime minister underscored that her party, the Awami League, relies on the trust and power vested in them by the people, as enshrined in the constitution. She also warned that any efforts to obstruct the elections would face resistance from the Bangladeshi people.
Addressing recent visa restrictions, Sheikh Hasina expressed hope that these restrictions would apply to all parties, including the opposition, to prevent any attempts to hinder the election process. She mentioned that the upcoming general elections would proceed smoothly as long as there are no actions akin to the arson attacks that occurred in 2013-14, which were aimed at disrupting the polls.
Sheikh Hasina emphasized that the Awami League’s legitimacy is derived from the voters and not dependent on external factors. She also highlighted her government’s commitment to working for the welfare of the people and stated that they would not be deterred by sanctions.
The prime minister recalled her decision to allow Khaleda Zia, a convicted figure in a corruption case, to receive medical treatment at home while suspending her jail sentence. She mentioned the government’s efforts to establish an independent election commission with economic autonomy.
Sheikh Hasina discussed proposals for transparent ballot boxes and a voter list with photographs to ensure fairness in elections, citing concerns over past attempts to manipulate the voter list. She emphasized that elections, including by-elections and local government elections, have been conducted fairly and spontaneously under her government’s leadership.
Regarding corruption, she acknowledged the importance of combating it to achieve development and noted her government’s efforts to bring development to all levels of society. Sheikh Hasina encouraged Bangladeshi expatriates to send remittances through legal channels and urged them not to be swayed by propaganda.
