No doubt of free and fair election: Prime Minister

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged the countrymen to exercise their voting rights with confidence, saying that there is no doubt of free and fair 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.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina 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.

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.
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 meeting began at 10:10am on Thursday with AL Parliamentary Nomination Board President Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

The meeting will finalise the AL’s candidates for the 12th national elections slated for January 7 next.