PM Hasina vows to safeguard people’s voting and democratic rights

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said her government has been taking all necessary measures to protect the people’s voting rights.

“The people of this country will enjoy all sorts of their rights. Their basic rights, voting rights, and democratic rights will remain ensured. It’s our only goal and we have been working for this,” she said.

The premier was addressing the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected mayor and councillors of Comilla City Corporation in the city’s Osmani Smriti Auditorium through a videoconference from her official residence Ganabhaban.

She said the government wants the socio-economic development of Bangladesh by maintaining a democratic environment. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also the president of Awami League, said her party has been striving for the establishment of rights of the people since its formation. 

“Awami League had been formed to protest against injustice,” she added.

About the recent Comilla City Election, she said the people could exercise their voting rights spontaneously in the very competitive election held amid a festive atmosphere.  

“They had been able to make the candidates of their choice win with their votes here. I think it is an example in electoral history,” she added.

Noting that now it is the era of technology, the prime minister said most countries across the world use technology and electronic voting machines (EVMs) in elections.

She said the recent Narayanganj City election was also one of the most peaceful polls.

“We’ve been taking all the necessary measures so the people can enjoy their voting rights and their rights remain ensured,” she added.

Sheikh Hasina also mentioned the Awami League’s contribution to reform and strengthening elections through the introduction of transplant ballot boxes and the preparation of voter lists with photographs.

- UNB