Election Commission gains confidence of people: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said, the present Election Commission (EC) has gained people’s confidence by this time through holding fair elections in two city corporations and in some local government levels.

The Prime Minister said this on Friday while addressing the nation on completion of the fourth year of her second consecutive term in office after completion of tenth parliament election.

Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar telecasted live this address which started at 7:30 pm.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, I took the oath as the Prime Minister for third time on this very day after elected in 2014. I have appeared before you to convey my heartfelt gratitude. I have tried heart and soul to uphold your dignity and keep up the trust and confidence that you bestowed upon me. People would judge to what extent I have been succeeded or failed. People were deprived of development for 28 years. Many welfare oriented programs taken by Awami League were shut down. Awami League was barred from taking power in 2001 following conspiracy. But the country is experiencing development as Awami League is in power for nine years.

She said, nobody will be jobless or poor in future. We have taken different programs for eradicating poverty and unemployment. Activities to ensure social security also have been taken.

The premier said, Padma bridge and metro rail will be constructed. The whole country will be under rail communication coverage. Bangabandhu satellite will be launched soon. Per capita income has reached to 1610 dollars. Poverty rate came down to 22 percent. Election time government will be formed before the election according to the constitution. Everybody should remain alert so that any quarter cannot try to unease the situation centering the election.

Prime Minister said, we have taken the initiatives to make the quality of life developed and easy through building a digital Bangladesh by announcing the declaration of change. For this reason people are now getting 200 types of services. Bangladesh is developing as we have got the chance of running the country for nine consecutive years. Thus the people are getting the benefits.

She said, there are more achievements in per capita income increase, GDP size expansion, poverty rate reduction, decreasing inflation, foreign investment increase, remittance increase as well as increase of foreign currency reserve. Moreover increased size of budget also proved that the country stepped into the lower-middle income country.

She upheld the success of establishing new power plants, food security and increased power production as well as spreading health service in the village level.

She also highlighted the lootings, role of Hawa Bhaban after the election of 2001 as well as militancy, terrorism and grenade attack. She also said about atrocities of BNP-Jamaat after the election.

The premier upheld execution of the trials of war criminals and killers of Father of the nation including trial of BDR killings. She highlighted government’s success of combating militancy. She also praised the role of law enforcing agencies.

Upholding people are all source of power the Prime Minister said that all should look forward so that the development trend will not be halted.

Sheikh Hasina said that opportunities have been created through increasing salaries of the workers, establishing 100 economic zones to attract foreign investment.

The Prime Minister said, I just want to say that Father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman made this country independent based on some idealism and spirits. He made the struggle of independence with a view to make the country free from hunger, poverty and illiteracy for the concept of ensuring beautiful life of people.

AH