Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday credited her government’s democratic spirit for making last month’s parliamentary election free, fair and participatory.
In reply to a question from Awami League’s Bhola-2 MP Ali Azam, during question-and-answer session in parliament the PM also praised the Election Commission of Bangladesh for playing an effective role in conducting the polls.
“The 12th Parliamentary elections were fair, free and participatory due to the government's actions, liberal and democratic spirit and respect for the rule of law,” she told the House.
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The EC, she said, has become an effective institution like its counterparts in other democratic countries of the world.
As of January 28, she said, 48 heads of state/government have sent congratulatory messages to the prime minister of Bangladesh, she said.
She also mentioned that representatives of 25 international organisations, government and non-governmental organisations congratulated Bangladesh on conducting fair and participatory elections.
Hasina reiterated that there were so many obstacles and conspiracies surrounding the January 7 polls.
“I express my gratitude to the people of Bangladesh and the voters of this country who went to the polling stations ignoring all the conspiracies,” she said adding. “They exercised their right to vote. They have given us an opportunity to serve the country by winning in the election.”
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The Prime Minister said this while responding to a question of Awami League MP from Sirajganj-6 Chayan Islam.
She thanked the Election Commission, law and order agencies, armed forces and the public administration for conducting free, fair and impartial elections.
Hasina, also the leader of the House, also expressed gratitude to the people of her constituency, Kotalipara-Tungipara of Gopalganj for electing her again.
“I didn't have to worry much about the election. Awami League leaders, workers and local people have ensured my victory by voting for me in the election,” she said.
In a written reply to Chayan Islam's question, the prime minister said that Bangladesh has achieved success in all areas in the last 15 years as a result of the government's development plan, far-reaching vision and constructive steps.
“The current government is determined to continue this progress of development in the next 5 years,” she said.
She said there is strong support and unwavering confidence of the people of the country in the continuation of her government.
“No evil force can block the way of this democratic process of development of Bangladesh,” she said.
The leader of the House said that the government has upheld the dignity of the country's constitution, democracy and democratic institutions taking people of the country with them.
“It will be kept that way in the future too inshallah,” she said.