Join election to verify whom people want, PM says BNP

Prime Minister and Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina today urged BNP to participate in the 12th national election slated for January 7 to examine whom the people want to see in power.

"Let's join the election to see how far one can run and to know whom the people want to see in power," she said.

The prime minister was delivering her introductory speech ahead of AL's Parliamentary Nomination Board meeting at the party's Dhaka district office in city’s Tejgaon area to finalise the party's candidates of Rajshahi, Khulna and Rangpur divisions.

She also sounded a note of warning against any move to foil the election.

"Don't try to thwart the election. If do so, the consequence will not be good for anyone," she warned.

The premier called upon other political parties to participate in the next election.

"They (remaining other parties) who are in dilemma, I urge you all to take part in the election as there is no doubt that the next general election will be free and neutral," she said, welcoming the parties which announced to join the polls.

The prime minister said she had given instruction time and again to make sure that the people of the country can vote freely.

"We will hold the election to ensure people's rights to franchise. We will not interfere to this end. We want the election commission to hold free and neutral election," she said.

She also said they don't need to steal the votes, as the people have confidence and trust in the Awami League.

The international agencies surveys have also portrayed the same thing, she added.

"So, we will take part in the election with self-confidence," she continued.

She urged the countrymen to cast their votes in favour of their choice with self-confidence.

"You can vote as your wish," she said.

But, being president of the AL, Sheikh Hasina said, "I called upon the countrymen to vote for my party's electoral symbol Boat to give us another change to serve the nation."

The prime minister said the BNP feared to join the election as they have none at the top of the party as their two top leaders have been convicted of corruption.

She continued FBI had testified against Tarique and Canadian police gave deposition against Khaleda Zia for their involvement in corruption.

The premier also delivered a witty remark saying BNP can join the next election to make business with selling nomination papers which they did in the past.

:BSS