PM reassures free, fair polls

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DHAKA, Nov 4, 2018 (BSS) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today reassured of holding the next general elections in a free, fair and neutral manner and expressed the hope that the people will reelect Awami League by evaluating the country’s development and progress over the last 10 years.

“Exercising franchise is a democratic right of the people. So there is no confusion that the next elections will be held in a free, fair and impartial manner,” she said in her introductory speech at a meeting of the 14-party alliance at Ganabhaban here this evening.

Sheikh Hasina, also the Awami League president, hoped that all registered political parties and alliances to play a constructive role in holding free, fair and neutral polls.

“All the elections staged over the last 10 years were free, fair and neutral,” she said.

The Awami League president urged all to cast vote for “boat”, the election symbol of her party, to keep up the development spree.

She expressed her hope that the people will reelect Awami League by evaluating the government’s success in running the country as well as maintaining law and order and the overall development and progress.

Referring to dark chapter of terrorism, militancy, corruption and money laundering during the BNP-Jamaat rule, the prime minister said Bangladesh will be turned into a country of such crimes again if BNP returns to power.

“The people will be deprived of development and their lot will not be changed if the BNP comes to power again,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina said the country witnessed massive development during the 10 years of the present government.

“Bangladesh has graduated to a developing country and GDP growth increased and poverty rate dropped remarkably during the period,” she said.

The premier said the people started dreaming afresh and they now believe that the country is developed when Awami League comes to power.

“Bangladesh will be transformed into a developed and prosperous country if the people reelect Awami League in the upcoming polls,” she said.