Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday made it clear that the next general election in Bangladesh will be held under her Awami League government and it will be free and fair. “So under our government, definitely election will be free and fair,” she told a session titled "In conversation with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina" of the Qatar Economic Forum at the Raffles Hotel here in Doha. Haslinda Amin, editor-at-large of Qatar Economic Forum anchored the session. The prime minister is now in Doha on a three-day official visit mainly to take part in the Qatar Economic Forum 2023.  Her assertion came as the opposition BNP and its allies have launched a renewed campaign of street protests asking her government to step down to pave the way for holding the next election under a neutral caretaker administration. Also Read: PM joins opening session of Qatar Economic Forum  Bangladesh is due to go to  polls by December this year or in the first week of next year.  Responding to a question, she said that after the assassination of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, military dictators jeopardised all election process.  “The election was just a game (then),” she said. She recalled that when the Awami League elected her as its president back in 1981 in her absence only then she could return to the country.  “Since then we started to struggle for restoring democracy and people’s right to vote. It was our struggle to ensure free and fair election. And we did it during our time in every election,” she said. Regarding the opposition BNP's demand, Hasina, also the president of ruling Awami League, said that in 2008 election nobody raised any question about it. “What was the result then? The party (BNP) which is raising the question now got only 29 out of 300 seats in the Parliament,” she said. Sounding firm the prime minister said that she is here to ensure people’s voting right, Because people should decide who will run the country.  “It is people’s power, I want to ensure people’s power. I am here not to grab power. Rather I want to empower our people that they should have their right to choose their government,” she said. Replying to a question, Hasina mentioned that now some parties said they will not participate. “How will they participate? Because during their time the country suffered a lot. Our people suffered. At their time terrorist activities increased. Everywhere there was corruption, nepotism and exploitation. They never bothered about the people. It was very difficult for our people to get one meal per day. That was the situation,” she said.   She said that after the Awami League came to power it has ensured everything for the people.   “It's the people’s right to vote in election. What we have done now the people understand that. If they vote for us I am here, if they don't, ok fine,” she said clearly. Also Read: PM reaches Doha for Qatar Economic Forum 2023 The PM said that during her tenure there had been many by-elections, local government elections, which were free and fair.  “You can see, who is creating problem. We are not. But in every election some incidents may take place,” she said. She also mentioned that the government has asked everybody to send election observers to Bangladesh for the next voting.  “So I can tell you I am here to ensure my people’s democratic right, voting right and it is our struggle," she stated. She said that she is here to serve the country and its people so they could live a better and prosperous life.  “Bangladesh should be a developed country, that is my aim. Why should I try to jeopardise people’s right that we have established. Definitely election will be free and fair.” She also termed BNP as a party of criminals and killers. “They (BNP) may not feel comfortable. But, there are other parties, those parties will participate in the election," she said.  Replying to a question IMF's recent loan to Bangladesh, PM Hasina said the IMF assists only the country that can repay the loan. In providing the loan, the IMF considered whether the country can pay it back or not, she said  "We'll definitely be able to pay it back," said the PM. The premier said Bangladesh has successfully  overcome the fallout of COVID-19 pandemic due to her government's pragmatic plans and steps.  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said no one should raise any concern about the election being free and fair under the AL government following the recent by-elections in six parliamentary seats  and Rangpur City Corporation. “These have proved that fair elections are held during the Awami League period,” she said. The prime minister said this while participating in the discussion on the thanksgiving motion on President's speech in parliament.  She said that six by-elections were held just a few days ago where Jatiya Party won in one seat. She mentioned that in another seat, the BNP MP who resigned from the parliament returned as an independent candidate. “Moreover, we left one to Rashed Khan Menon’s party where the Jatiya Party candidate won. Another was given to Hasanul Haque Inu’s party and it won in Bogra,” she said. She said that AL candidate won only in Bogra and Chapainawabganj. “No one could complain about Rangpur mayor election.  But Jatiya Party won that election, Awami League lost.” Therefore, she said, “we have been able to prove that the election has been fair, free and impartial during the Awami League government.” “I hope no one gets a chance to raise anything about the election after this (by-elections and mayor election).” She mentioned that AL always has fought for people's right to vote.   “I think it is our responsibility to ensure the right to vote.” PM Hasina said that the government has built the Padma Bridge with its own funding, which was a challenging job.   “This one decision has changed the image of Bangladesh internationally. Those who earlier thought that Bangladesh will never be able to stand up proved wrong.  Those who seized power after 1975 tragedy (assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman) had wanted that,” she said. Hasina said that the international status of Bangladesh has increased as the country has proved that it can. She said that digital services are being launched in all areas and now the documents of land can be taken at home while any bill can be paid from home. She said that the government is working for the overall development of the people of the country. The premier recalled the election during Ziaur Rahman's tenure.   The people had seen how the presidential election of 1981 was rigged, she said. She also said that during his time General Ershad (founder of Jatiya Patty) changed the election results by withholding the counting for 48 hours.   She recalled that no party could form the government in the 1991 elections on its own and so BNP joined hands with Jamaat to form the government.  And they held a election without participation of voters on February 15, 1996. People don't let go if votes are stolen.  Khaleda Zia had to resign on March 30.” The PM said that there was a conspiracy in 2001 regarding the sale of country’s gas. She said that Bangladesh is sending medical teams, medicines, dry food to help the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.      

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday urged his party leaders and activists to prepare for 'more sacrifices' for making the current pro-democracy movement a success by ousting the Awami League government. Speaking at a discussion here he also said they will not retreat from the street agitation until their goal is achieved.   "Our one point demand is the resignation of the government and Sheikh Hasina,” the BNP leader said. He said the state power has to be handed over to a caretaker government and then an election must be conducted under a new Election Commission so the country gets a genuinely elected government of the people. "We have already sacrificed a lot.  Many of us are being arrested, jailed, and killed. We have to make more sacrifices,” Fakhrul told BNP rank and file. He said their party leaders and activists will have to move forward by making sacrifices to get back democracy, and people’s rights and protect the country’s independence. Read more: Police–BNP clash in Kishoreganj: 29 including 11 cops hurt “Let us take the oath on November 7 that we won’t go back home from the streets without achieving our goals, ensuring the fall of this government, restoring democracy and people's rights,” the BNP leader said.  BNP arranged the discussion in front of its Nayapaltan central office, marking what the party said the ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day'. Amid political turmoil, soldiers and civilians jointly freed then chief of army staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity in Dhaka cantonment on 7 November 1975, paving the way for his coming to power. BNP has long been observing the day as the National Revolution and Solidarity Day’. The BNP leader said November 7 is a very significant day for the nation as the country’s independence was consolidated for the second time on this day in 1975. “Soldiers and mass people created a new history by freeing proclaimer of independence Ziaur Rahman from captivity through their unprecedented revolution on this day.” He said this revolution also paved a new chapter of a truly democratic, happy and prosperous Bangladesh. “Our leader Ziaur Rahman united the entire undivided nation in just four years.” Fakhrul said Zia Introduced a free economy and multi-party democracy removing one-party rule, and restoring freedom of speech, freedom of expression, rights to freedom of assembly, and all fundamental rights in the country. He said Zia also showed the nation a new dream in a short period of time to stand as a strong nation. Speaking at the programme, BNP standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said Ziaur Rahman restored democracy and people’s rights by freeing the nation from one-party Baksal rule. Also read: Sylhet BNP politician stabbed to death “Awami League now again created a Baksal-like situation in the country by snatching people’s all rights and annihilating democracy.  So, we take a vow on this day being imbued with the spirit of November 7 to restore democracy by ousting those who established Baksal.” Earlier in the day, senior BNP leaders and activists, led by Mirza Fakhrul, placed a wreath at Zia’s grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar around 11am. They also offered fateha there and a munajat seeking salvation of Zia’s departed soul. While BNP and its alliance partners celebrate November 7 as the National Revolution and Solidarity Day, the ruling Awami League and its front organisations consider it as the day of ‘Killing of freedom fighters”.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said the days of the current government are numbered as the youth have started waking up against its misrule and repressive acts. “They (govt) have now no other alternative to resorting to repressive acts and killing, extrajudicial killing and false cases to cling to power….but this massive gathering of the youth has manifested that their days are numbered. They won’t be able to stay in power anymore," he said. Speaking at a rally, he said the government killed many people and repressed and harassed thousands of opposition leaders and activists over the last 15 years.  “The youth in Bangladesh have started waking up. We believe that we would be able to free the country from misrule through the sacrifices and fierce movement by the youth.” Also read: BNP announces two-day programme to protest fuel price hike Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal arranged the rally in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, protesting the ‘unprecedented’ fuel price hike and the killing of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal's Bhola district unit president Noor-e-Alam and local Swechchasebak Dal leader Abdur Rahim in police firing. Fakhrul said the country has now been facing crisis in energy, economy and power only because of extreme corruption and plundering by the government. “We have seen how they have looted thousands of crore of taka in the name of quick rental power plants.” Referring to the statistics of the Export Promotion Bureau, he said US$270.81 billion have been exported from Bangladesh in the last seven years. But the Bangladesh Bank is showing a figure of US$239.96 billion. Where did the remaining $30.40 billion go? The nation wants to know this.” The BNP leader alleged that the ruling party leaders depleted the country’s resources through widespread plundering. Speaking at the rally, BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas said Awami League will no longer be able to remain in power. ‘Their fall is now a matter of time.” He, however, said BNP will not able to oust the current regime only by holding rallies at Nayaplatan and in front of the Jatiya Press Club.  "We have to come out on the streets with processions and tough programmes like hartal and blockade to ensure the fall of the government. Otherwise, this regime won’t go,” he said. Also read: AL can't be allowed to cling to power anymore: Fakhrul Echoing Abbas, another party standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said, “If we don't take a hardline and harsher programmes and show our strength, then the government will stay in power as usual. Rather, we’ll only face many fresh cases for holding public rallies. But we won't be able to topple the government." He said BNP has the strength to wage a fierce street movement with tough democratic and lawful programmes. “We must now work out such programmes to scare the government.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday alleged that the Awami League government has become the enemy of the people by resorting to repressive acts and unleashing misrule. “Awami League has usurped power by snatching people’s basic rights systematically. A horrible situation has been created in the country due to its misrule and misdeeds, including enforced disappearance,” he said. The BNP leader also said the current government has taken a stance against the country’s people in every aspect. “This regime has been identified as the enemy of the country’s people.” Fakhrul was talking to reporters after visiting the house of BNP leader Chodhury Alam who was made disappeared on June 24, 2010, from the capital’s Farmgate area. Also read: Khaleda to return home from hospital today Fakhrul together with some BNP leaders went to Alam’s Khilgaon residence, marking the 12 anniversary of his enforced disappearance. He talked to the family members and enquired about their condition. Fakhrul said those who have been made disappeared have been deprived of their right to life while their family members have been left in the lurch. He said families of the enforced disappearance victims are not getting the inheritance certificate and property ownership, and they cannot transact money kept in the bank accounts of their missing dear ones. “These families are in dire straits.” “Chowdhury Alam has been missing for 12 years since the repressive force of the government picked him up. Despite frantic efforts, nether neither his family nor our party could trace him. This regime also couldn’t say anything about his whereabouts.” Fakhrul said. Also read: Govt indulges in celebration keeping flood victims unfed, alleges Fakhrul He said many such incidents have taken place since the Awami League government came to power. The BNP leader said more than 600 BNP leaders and activists, including former MP Ilias Ali, have been subjected to enforced disappearance during the rule of the Awami League. He said it is clearly mentioned in the United Nations Charter, that enforced disappearance is a crime against humanity. “But the fascist and autocratic regime has resorted to such incidents.” He said many parents lost their children, while many wives lost their husbands over the last 15 years of Awami League’s misrule. Fakhrul said people have been subjected to extrajudicial killing, enforced disappearance and killing in custody only to suppress democratic movements, “It can’t happen in a civilised society.” About the flood situation, Fakhrul who visited Sylhet on Thursday, said people are crying for help as the government is not standing beside them with adequate relief materials. “I myself went to Sylhet yesterday (Thursday). If you don't see it with your own eyes, you can't have any idea about its severity,” he said. Fakhrul alleged that the government has not taken any measures to alleviate the sufferings of the flood-hit people and to provide relief to them and to rehabilitate them." He called upon the country’s people to get united to force the current government to quit and hand power to a non-party neutral administration.

Issuing a warning to opposition parties, BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Thursday said those who will participate in the next national election under the current Awami League government will be considered as national traitors. Speaking at a rally in the city, he also said their party will come up with a befitting reply if BNP leaders and activists are attacked by the ruling party men. “Those who will join the election under the current regime will be considered as national traitors,” Abbas said. He recalled that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as an opposition leader in 1986, said in Laldighi Maidan that those who would participate in the election under then military ruler HM Ershad would be the national traitors. But, Abbas said Hasina herself joined that election despite her warning to others. “We’ll take action against both the government and those who will try to prove themselves as national traitors this time.” Also read: AL wants EVM in next polls in new plot to rig votes: BNP BNP Dhaka south and north city units arranged the rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club protesting what the party said continuous attacks on opposition leaders by ruling party ‘cadres’ in different parts of the country including Cumilla. Referring to different media reports on joining polls by opposition parties sharing seats with the ruling party, Abbas said they will not allow holding any such election. “No election of seat-sharing will be held. No stage-managed election will be allowed in Bangladesh. Keep it in mind,” he warned. The BNP leader strongly condemned and protested the recent attacks on the local residence of their party’s senior leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and on some other party leaders and LDP leader Redwan Ahmed. “We would like to clearly say that if we’re again subjected to any attack and repression, we’ll put resistance together. No one will be spared,” he said.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday reaffirmed that their party will not join any election, be it parliamentary or local government ones, under the current government. "Our position on the election is clear. We are not going to participate in any polls-- whether it is a local government or parliamentary election--under the current government," he said. Also read: Extortion goes unabated in all markets with govt backing: BNP A day after the Election Commission announced the schedule for the elections to Cumilla City Corporation, Fakhrul made the remarks while talking to journalists at his local residence in Kalibari area. Replying to a question, Fakhrul said the country’s people will determine how the next election will be held and how the country will run. “But we’ve long been saying we won’t take part in any election under the partisan government.” He said the Awami League has now established a one-person’s rule along with the one-party rule. “They (govt) are now internationally recognised as an autocratic regime while newspapers and different countries are branding Awami League as an authoritarian party.” Also read: AL’s character to blame BNP for its own misdeeds: Mirza Fakhrul The BNP leader alleged that the Awami League government has become completely dependent on the bureaucrats and the law enforcement agencies as it has become isolated from the country's people.  “So, it seems ridiculous to people when the Awami League talks about democracy.” Referring to the detention of a mother and her son in the capital’s Kalabagan area for raising voice to protect Tetultala playground, Fakhrul said, “This incident has exposed  how authoritarian the government is and how human rights are being violated now in the country.” He alleged that the government has no control over the state institution and law enforcement agencies. “People’s rights are being snatched at the behest of the government as there is no rule of law.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said their party has no interest in the formation of Election Commission through a search committee under the current government. “We don't have any interest in the EC formation as the electoral system has been completely ruined by the current government,” he said. Talking to reporters at his residence in the district town, the BNP leader said the Election Commission cannot do anything if there is no polls-time neutral government in place. He said they earlier boycotted and joined elections under the current government. “We also gave our opinions on the formation of the Election Commission through a search committee. But this government didn’t accept any of our proposals as they arranged everything in line with their plan to hold the election as per their desire.” Read: Dhaka now a poisonous-gas chamber: BNP “From our past experience, we now think there must have a caretaker government or a polls-time neutral government to hold a credible national election,” the BNP leader observed. After the formation of a neutral government, he said it will constitute an acceptable election commission to hold the national election within 90 days. Fakhrul said their party was against holding the local body polls in a partisan manner from the very beginning. “If the local body polls are held with the symbols of political parties, it creates a division in society with limited choice for people. That’s why we’ve decided not to join the local body polls with our symbol. But we won’t obstruct if anyone from our party participates in the polls independently,” he said. The BNP leader said their party welcomed the new political party, ‘Gono Adhikar Parishad’, formed under Dr Reza Kibria and former VP of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu)  Nurul Haque Nur. “We hope they will play a role in ousting the current fascistic regime and work for the restoration of democracy,” he said. Fakhrul said they believe people will come forward to bring a change in the government through a strong movement. As his attention was drawn to the Awami League general secretary’s comment that people do not consider BNP as an alternative to Awami League in power politics, he said, “Obaidul Quader should see his own face and that of his party in the mirror. He should also read the body language of people.” Read: Harassment started ahead of election, alleges BNP The BNP leader said Awami League completely deceived people by ‘usurping’ power through ‘snatching’ ballots the night before the voting day with the help of state machinery and law enforcers. The BNP leader said the government has been following a ‘mysterious policy over the procurement of Covid vaccines. “The government could still collect vaccines for the one-eighth of the population, but we need vaccines for 80 percent of the population. We asked them to prepare a roadmap and master plan for collection and distribution of vaccines, but the government did not do it for indulging in corruption,” he alleged. Fakhrul said the government should intensify its efforts to collect the vaccines from the countries where the jabs are available.

Questioning the justification of BNP’s participation in the recent elections and by-elections, party senior leader Maj (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed on Monday said the fall of the current government will have to be ensured through a street movement, not by voting.

Voicing anger over the dismissal of a case against ex-state minister Tarana Halim and four others over the distortion of history, BNP on Wednesday alleged that the government is ‘using’ courts to suppress its opponents.