As the highly consequential general election unfolded in Bangladesh on Sunday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina conveyed her government's commitment to upholding the principles of democracy in the nation. Addressing a press conference in Dhaka on the preceding Saturday, she expressed the pivotal role of democracy in the progress and development of a country. Emphasizing the significance of stable democratic governance, Hasina underscored that without democracy, sustained development becomes an insurmountable challenge.
During the press conference, Prime Minister Hasina highlighted Bangladesh's sovereignty and independence, despite being a relatively small country with a substantial population. She asserted that her government had successfully established the democratic rights of the people and fervently expressed her desire to ensure the continuity of democracy in the country. Drawing comparisons between nations with democratic governments and those under military dictatorships, she asserted that democracy is an integral catalyst for development.
"In the absence of democracy, development becomes an unattainable goal. Bangladesh has made significant strides in this regard from 2009 to 2023, as we stand as a stable democracy. Contrastingly, countries, particularly those under military dictatorships, have struggled to achieve any substantial development," she remarked.
On the day of the election, Prime Minister Hasina cast her vote at City College in Dhaka and voiced optimism that the electorate would favor her party, the Awami League, in large numbers. In her criticism of the opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which boycotted the general election, she labeled them as anti-democratic and referred to them as a "terror party." Hasina accused the BNP of resorting to violence to disrupt the electoral process and asserted that the people of Bangladesh had rejected their approach.
"The BNP does not believe in democracy, which is why they have resorted to violence to mar the poll process. The people of Bangladesh have rejected them. The BNP is a terror party. The party was formed through a military coup, so they are anti-democracy. Since they have not got the opportunity this time, they are trying to oppose the elections," she asserted.
Responding to the BNP's boycott, led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Hasina defended the credibility of the elections and questioned the need to prove it to a party she referred to as a "terrorist party." She reiterated her accountability to the people and expressed confidence in the smooth and fair progression of the polling process.
"I urge the people to come out in large numbers to take forward the democratic process in Bangladesh," Hasina urged, concluding her statements during this critical electoral period. The results of the general election are expected on Monday, with the 76-year-old leader poised to secure a fourth consecutive five-year term and fifth overall for her Awami League-led alliance. The opposition has boycotted the election, deeming it a "sham" and accusing the ruling Awami League of rigging and unfair voting practices, allegations that Hasina and her party have consistently dismissed. Despite criticism of authoritarianism and human rights concerns during her tenure, Hasina has been credited with positive economic developments, particularly in turning around the economy and the garment industry over her last 15 years in power.
