On January 8, 2023, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, Bangladesh has set an example of free, fair and impartial polls.
Commenting on the landslide victory of the ruling Awami League, Sheikh Hasina said,
“It’s not my victory. I think it is a victory of the people”.
As a BBC journalist asked if she believed Bangladesh could be considered a vibrant democracy with the absence of an opposition party, the AL chief said every party has the right to make decisions.
The journalist also mentioned that 60 percent of the constituents had not cast
their votes.
If a party does not participate in the election, it does not mean there is no democracy, she said. “Consider whether the people participated or not.
“The party didn’t participate in the election and tried to prevent people from casting their votes. But the people had not listened to them”.
The PM said she does not know if there was any other definition of democracy, adding that people’s participation is the main thing.
Denouncing BNP’s violent activities, the prime minister asked the BBC reporter about her definition of a democratic party. “They are a terrorist party.”
Bangladesh has wonderful relations with its neighbors and India is a great friend, she said.
Replying to an election observer from the US, she said, “Our relationship is wonderful with every country, even the United States of America. So, from our part there is no problem. We have a good relationship. Now i
t depends on you and your government”.
In reply to another question, she said she does not want to be compared with the great women leaders like Indira Gandhi, Golda Meir, Margaret Thatcher, and Sirimavo Bandaranaike.
“They were great ladies. I’m a simple person”.
“Economic progress and ensuring a better life for the people is my main aim”, she said, replying to a question from a foreign journalist.
Meanwhile, in a statement, the US Department of State said:
The United States supports the people of Bangladesh and their aspirations for democracy, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression. The United States notes the Awami League party won a majority of seats in the January 7, 2024, parliamentary elections. The United States remains concerned by the arrests of thousands of political opposition members and by reports of irregularities on elections day. The United States shares the view with other observers that these elections were not free or fair and we regret that not all parties participated.
The United States condemns violence that took place during elections and in the months leading up to it. We encourage the Government of Bangladesh to credibly investigate reports of violence and to hold perpetrators accountable. We also urge all political parties to reject violence.
Looking ahead, the United States remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to deepening our people-to-people and economic ties.
