People will vote freely in next polls: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reiterated her firm conviction that the people of Bangladesh will cast their votes independently in the next general elections.

The Prime Minister came up with claim while virtually inaugurating and laying foundation stone of 10,041 structures under 157 development projects including Sheikh Hasina Swarani (Purbachal Expressway) and first elevated expressway in Chattogram with around one lakh crore from her official Ganabhaban residence on Tuesday.

Under the projects, 4644 are various development infrastructures and 5397 houses for the landless and homeless people under the Ashrayan-2 project across the country under 24 ministries and divisions.

The Prime Minister said, “The next election is approaching nearer. If the people cast vote for us, we will come to the power. In case of otherwise, we will have no regret for that”.

She said the Awami League never comes to power by undemocratic way, referring to the assumption of power through 2014 and 2018 elections.

She said the BNP-Jamaat alliance does not want to take part in the election rather to create an unstable situation in the country by carrying out arson violence to land people in sufferings.

She also said her government has taken all measures including enacting new law to make the election free and fair.

“They (the BNP-Jamaat alliance) got only 30 seats (in 2008 general election which was accepted by all). Then, you say, will they be interested in participate in the next election,” she said.

The Prime Minister said they have no intention to be in the next election rather they are out to foil the polls.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, Local Government, Rural Development (LGRD) and Cooperatives Minister Md. Tazul Islam, Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque and Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder were present on the dais.

Prime Minister's Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah conducted the event.

A total of 101 centres across the country were connected virtually to the programme.

A video documentary on the overall development of Bangladesh under the current Awami League government was screened at the function.

Among the development schemes opened by the premier, 15 projects including the Purbachal Expressway, which was recently renamed as Sheikh Hasina Swarani, were completed under the housing and public works ministry while different agencies of the shipping ministries are implementing 15 projects.