PM reiterates determination to hold free, fair election in Bangladesh

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reiterated her firm determination to hold a free, fair and credible election in Bangladesh as she addressed a civic reception accorded to her in New York as chief guest.

"InshAllah, a free, fair and impartial election will be held in Bangladesh," she told the function organised by the New York Metropolitan Awami League at a city hotel on Friday (22 September) evening, mentioning that BNP doesn't want an election.

"Does BNP actually want an election? Who is their leader?" questioned Sheikh Hasina, also the President of the ruling Awami League (AL), who is now visiting New York to attend the 78th UNGA.

She added, "Fugitive convict, money burglar, arms smuggler, murderer, grenade attacker of 21 August (is their leader); if this is the leader of a party, then why would people vote for that party and him."

She continued that they didn't get votes in the 2008 election as well as didn't participate in the 2014 election.

Referring to the killing of people by arson attack in the name of preventing an election, she said, "How many lives have been taken? If you still see the face of those burnt people, you will see what a heinous act was done, and those who did it can't be as despicable as they are."

Regarding the upcoming elections, Sheikh Hasina vowed that "Inshallah, there will be free, fair and impartial elections. People will vote properly."

She said the Bangladesh people should at least realise that they got freedom by voting for boat (AL's election symbol), and the people's fate has changed today for voting in favour of boat.

"The image of Bangladesh has been brightened all over the world because of voting for boat (by people of the country)," she said.

She said that those who live abroad must understand that during the regime of BNP-Jamaat, one couldn't talk to anyone abroad, and now people look at Bangladesh with respect.

The prime minister called upon all not to pay heed to the propaganda, saying that "you all have to always keep in mind that the image of Bangladesh will always be brightened."

She added, "Today, the world leaders recognise (the success of Bangladesh). We shouldn't need to pay heed to what a few scumbags are saying."

She said, "Those convicted for committing various crimes have now taken shelter in different countries of the world and are spreading various false slanders through different social media and apps to cover up their misdeeds."

Making the call to all to unmask the faces of slanderers, Sheikh Hasina said that their faces should be exposed when they spread false propaganda.

"They need to be exposed to people who they are?" she added.

The prime minister urged all to be aware of this group of thieves.