Hundreds of thousands join Sylhet rally as PM Hasina kicks off election campaign
Sheikh Hasina arrived in at Osmani International Airport around 11:30am this morning to kick off her party's election campaign for the 12th national polls.
Hundreds of thousands gathered at the venue at Alia Madrasa ground in Sylhet to show their support for the Awami League as party chief and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formally launched the election campaign today.
She came to the rally venue at 3:09pm on Wednesday (20 December).
Earlier on the day, she offered prayers at the mazar of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA).
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"The people of the country have rejected the politics of killing people with fire. They have rejected the arsonist politicians. So, they are not responding to BNP-Jamaat strike blockade. Inshallah, the people will vote for us in the 12th parliamentary elections as well," said the prime minister after offering prayers at the mazar of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA).
"What kind of politics is it to kill mothers and children or kill helpless people by burning them with fire or by uprooting railway lines," questioned the Awami League chief.
Sheikh Hasina said they (opposition) want to spoil the election by invoking fear through the politics of killing people. But in 2013 and 2014, they were rejected by the people of the country. They have been rejected in 2018 as well.
"Voting is a basic right of the people. If anyone interferes with voting or elections, the people will oppose them. Strict action will be taken against arson-terrorists," she added.
The prime minister said during the Awami League government, the people of the country benefited and the country developed.
"At present, there are no homeless or landless people in Sylhet. We are thus fulfilling the basic needs of the people. Hopefully, other needs will be fulfilled gradually. We have achieved developing country status, it must be retained," said Sheikh Hasina.
Awami League (AL) President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina offered prayers at the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA) in Sylhet.
Sheikh Hasina arrived in at Osmani International Airport around 11:30am this morning to kick off her party's election campaign for the 12th national polls.
She at first went to the mazar of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) in the divisional city and recited the holy Quran and offered Fateha and munajat.
Later, the premier visited the mazar of Hazrat Shah Paran (RA).
Prime Minister's younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, accompanied her in both places.
She will address the election rally organised by the district and metropolitan Awami League at Sylhet Government Alia Madrasa Ground ground in the afternoon.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will address a public meeting in Sylhet today after a long five years.
Thousands of people standing on both sides of the road greeted the premier on her way to the shrines by chanting slogans and clapping.
Talking to the leaders of Awami League, it was found that preparations have been taken for the attendance of maximum number of people in the election campaign rally in Sylhet.
Directives have been given to Sylhet city corporation, municipality, upazila, union and ward level leaders and workers to be present at the rally.
More than 10 lakh people are expected to gather at the meeting place and surrounding areas.
Sheikh Hasina last visited Sylhet and Sunamganj to see the flood victims on 21 June 2022. At that time she took part in an exchange meeting at Sylhet Circuit House.
However, after 2018, this is the first time the prime minister will address a public meeting in Sylhet.
