PM: People won't accept any overseas move thwarting next polls

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said the Bangladesh people would not accept any move even taken from abroad to hamper the elections, reiterating her government’s commitment to hold next polls in a free and fair manner.

"Awami League will come to power again if the countrymen voted for it. But, the people will not accept any move even taken from abroad to hinder the election," she told a press conference at Bangladesh Mission here.

Prime Minister's Speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam moderated the press conference organised to brief media on PM’s visit to New York to attend the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The prime minister said her party believes in the power of the people reposed in them in accordance with article 7 of the Constitution.

In case of any move to thwart elections, she said the people of Bangladesh will also impose restrictions on them who will take such initiative.

About fresh visa restrictions, the premier said that she hoped the visa restrictions will be applicable including the opposition in any move to thwart the election.

She said the next general elections will be hold in a proper manner if the BNP alliance doesn’t carry out any arson attack likewise 2013-14 aimed at foiling the polls.

The premier expressed her hope that the country that has imposed visa restriction will consider the issue from both sides or neutrally.

"I have nothing to say, if the Awami League is only targeted. But the Awami League doesn’t come to power depending on anyone's strength. I assume power through the power of the people and their votes," she said.

Sheikh Hasina, also President of the AL said that they have been working for the welfare of the people.

"There is nothing to fear that who will give sanction or not," she said.

The prime minister said, " Khaleda Zia made repeated attempts to her. In spite, she gave Khaleda Zia, a convicted in corruption case, a scope to stay at home and get treatment from hospital suspending jail terms in line with the power bestowed upon her as the head of the government."