Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized the futility of heeding advice from foreign entities for survival in Bangladesh’s political landscape, alluding to the BNP in her remarks today. Addressing Awami League members at Ganabhaban to celebrate her party’s significant victory in the national polls, securing her fourth consecutive term as Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina underlined the resilience of her party against foreign influence.
Acknowledging the support from the younger daughter of Bangladesh’s founding father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and her own sister, Sheikh Rehana, who presented her with a bouquet, Sheikh Hasina reiterated the AL’s strength derived from the people of Bangladesh, asserting that they have no foreign “masters”.
Highlighting the challenges faced by the AL in ensuring a fair election amid attempts by the BNP-Jamaat coalition to disrupt it, Sheikh Hasina lauded the January 7th election as a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s history. She thanked various stakeholders, including the election commission, law enforcement, and the armed forces, for their role in orchestrating a remarkable and participatory election.
The Prime Minister emphasized the AL’s commitment to inclusive and competitive elections, urging party members to prioritize the nation’s welfare above all else. She encouraged unity among party ranks, urging them to work in harmony for the country’s betterment, disregarding internal differences.
Sheikh Hasina commended the active participation of women in the election, citing instances of elderly citizens casting their votes, symbolizing their enduring support for her leadership. She expressed gratitude for the overwhelming victory of AL candidates and acknowledged the frustration of BNP leaders, highlighting their repeated failures in attempting to disrupt elections in 2014, 2018, and now.
Referring to the BNP’s stance on election boycotts and their methods of agitation, Sheikh Hasina condemned actions that resulted in violence and destruction, emphasizing the importance of humane behavior in political dissent.
Asserting the people’s power as the ultimate decider in governance, Sheikh Hasina stated that the AL respected the people’s mandate. She recounted past instances where the people’s will had dismantled unjust governance, affirming the nation’s rejection of injustice and expressing her commitment to steering Bangladesh toward a developed, prosperous, and technologically advanced nation by 2041.
