Bangladesh Awami League (AL) has finalised 48 candidates for the 50 reserved women's seats in the 12th National Parliament.  AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader announced the names on Wednesday (Feb 14) afternoon.   The AL-nominated candidates are: Draupadi Devi Agarwala from Thakurgaon, Ashika Sultana from Nilphamari, Rezia Islam from Panchagarh, Rokeya Sultana from Joypurhat, Kohli Quddus from Natore, Zara Jabin Mahmood from Chapainawabganj, Runu Reza from Khulna, Farida Akter Banu from Bagerhat, Mst Farzana Sumi from Barguna, Khaleda Bahar Beauty from Bhola, Naznin Nahar Rashid from Patuakhali, Farida Yesmin from Narsingdi, Umme Farzana Sattar from Mymensigh, Nadia Bente Amin from Netrakona, Mahfuza Sultana from Joypurhat, Parveen Zaman from Jhenaidah, Aroma Dutta from Cumilla, Laila Parveen from Satkhira, Begum Monnujan Sufian from Khulna, Bedhura Ahmed Salam from Goplaganj, Shabnam Jahan, Parul Akter and Sabera Begum from Dhaka, Shammi Ahmed from Barishal, Naheed Ezaher Khan from Dhaka, Jharna Hasan from Faridpur, Fazilatun Nesa for Munshiganj, Shahida Tareque Dipti, Anima Mukti Gomes and Sheikh Anar Kali Putul from Dhaka, Masuda Siddique Rozi from Narsingdi, Tarana Halim and Begum Shamsun Nahar from Tangail, Meher Afroze from Gazipur, Aparajita Haque from Tangail, Hasina Bari Chowdhury from Dhaka, Nazma Akter from Gopalganj, Ruma Chakrabarti from Sylhet, Faridun Nahar Laily and Ashrafun Necha from Lakshmipur, Kanon Ara Begum from Noakhali, Shamima Harun from Chattogram, Farida Khanam from Noakhali, Dilwara Yusuf and Waseqa Ayesha Khan from Chattogram, Sanjida Khanam from Dhaka, Nasima Jaman Bobi from Rangpur and Joroti Tanchangya from Rangamati.

The ruling party Awami League (AL) has called a meeting of the Nomination Board on Wednesday (February 14) to finalise candidates for reserved women's seats in the 12th parliament. In a press release, Biplob Barua, AL Office Secretary, said that the meeting will start at 12pm at Gonobhaban under the chairmanship of party chief Sheikh Hasina. Awami League is expected to secure 48 seats based on its own and with its independents' support while the Jatiya Party will have two seats. The ruling party (AL) sold 1,549 nomination forms for its 48 reserved women's seats and generated about Tk7.74 crore from the sale of the forms until Thursday (Jan 13).   

The match had already lost its attraction as  Cristiano Ronaldo was absent due to a muscle injury. The matter disappointed fans hoping to see the world's two most famous footballers (Messi-Ronaldo) in opposition.   Al Nassr was desperate to score from the start of the match. As a result, Al Nassr sent the ball into Miami's net three times within the first 12 minutes. Luis Castro gave the team the lead in the third minute of the match. Though Lionel Messi came on as a substitute but could do nothing as Inter Miami as were suffering a 6-0 drubbing by Al Nassr team without Cristiano Ronaldo in Riyadh. Lionel played with discretion during his limited minutes. There he had one shot attempt inside the penalty area which was deflected by an Al Nassr defender in the 86th minute. In the end, Miami left the field with great disappointed.

Shakib Al Hasan has been diagnosed with a retinal condition in his left eye, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed that on on Wednesday (Jan 24). "Shakib has been complaining of subtle issues with his left eye. After consulting Ophthalmologists in Bangladesh and abroad and after multiple eye assessments, it was confirmed that he is suffering from Extrafoveal Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSR) of the left eye,” BCB Senior Physician Dr Debashis Chowdhury said. "It is a condition that affects the retina, leading to visual disturbances. The medical team overseeing Shakib's case is optimistic about managing the condition effectively with a conservative approach,” he said.

Awami League (AL) chief Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday (Jan 10) told her party’s newly elected lawmakers that their highest priority should be the welfare of the people. After taking oath, the new AL members of parliament (MPs) today (Jan 10) reelected Sheikh Hasina as the Leader of the House for the fourth consecutive term at the maiden meeting of the AL Parliamentary Party (ALPP) at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban here. AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader, MP, proposed Sheikh Hasina's name as the Leader of the House which was supported by Noor-E-Alam Chowdhury, MP. The proposal was later accepted unanimously with a gigantic clap. “Therefore, every MP will have to work for the people in their respective constituencies. You will have to ensure that there is balanced development in your areas,” she said while addressing the first meeting of the Awami League parliamentary party of the 12th parliament at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. She spoke soon after she was elected leader of the parliamentary party. The meeting started at around noon and continued for about an hour. In the ALPP meeting, Awami League MP Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was nominated as speaker of the House, Matia Chowdhury as deputy leader of the House, while Noor-E-Alam Chowdhury Liton was nominated as chief whip of parliament.

The Awami League (AL) has won 222 seats out of 298 in yesterday's 12th parliamentary election, said Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal. The CEC revealed this information at a media briefing at Election Commission (EC) media centre here in the city.   Kazi Habibul Awal informed that out of 300 constituencies, polls to one constituency- Naogaon-2 were postponed following the death of a candidate. EC will announce the result of another constituency, Mymensingh-3, later as polling of one centre was withheld, he mentioned. The polls of the one centre of Mymensingh-3 will be held on January 13, he added. After the AL, he said, independent candidates were the most successful in the January 7 election, winning 62 seats. However, he informed, Jatiya Party won 11 seats while Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Bangladesh Workers Party and Bangladesh Kalyan Party won one seat each.   He also informed that a total of 41.8 percent vote was cast in the national election. Kazi Habibul Awal said the voting in 12th Jatiya Sangsad election was comparatively peaceful.   Source: BSS

Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina today announced her party's polls manifesto for 2024 general election, vowing to build a developed, prosperous and Smart Bangladesh by 2041. "Bangladesh will be established as a high-middle-income country by 2031 and a developed, prosperous, smart one by 2041 by the Bangladesh Awami League, the bearer of the spirit of the Liberation War, if the people once again allow us to serve them by voting for the Boat, the AL's electoral symbol," she said. The AL chief said if the people of the country vote for the AL, her party will give them development, peace, and prosperity. Sheikh Hasina, also the prime minister, made the remarks after unveiling her party's election manifesto at a city hotel this morning, just 10 days before the 12th parliamentary election slated for January 7. The slogan of the AL's election manifesto is "Smart Bangladesh where Development Shines, Accelerating Employment" as the manifesto has given priorities to 11 issues. In the manifesto, the AL vowed to show zero tolerance against corruption and terrorism, alleviate poverty, create employments, ensure service-oriented and accountable administration. The AL manifesto also put more focus on infrastructure development, freedom of press and the practice of transparency, accountability, good governance as well as strengthened democratic values in all aspects of state management. It, as well, promised to be tougher against money launderers, to eradicate bribery and corruption at all levels of the state and society, to establish a universal health system, and introduce health insurance. Sheikh Hasina has made an impassioned appeal to the voters to forgive her party's past mistakes, if it is, since assuming office in 2009 with a "forgive eye". "We are responsible for all the mistakes during the last 15 years of her government. Success is yours. Look at our mistakes with a forgiving eye. We promise to learn from past mistakes and conduct future activities according to your expectations," she said. Right now, Bangladesh is standing in a transitional period and the country is going to join the ranks of developing countries from the list of least developed countries, she said, adding that this transition is an honor on one side and a huge challenge on the other hand. "The government to be formed by the January 7 election must have the capacity to face this challenge. Only the Awami League can face this challenge and take the country to new heights," she said. Looking forward to the twelfth election, Sheikh Hasina said they have once again appeared before the countrymen with the election manifesto of Bangladesh Awami League.   "As a continuation of the past, this time, we have prepared an implementable election manifesto by setting specific targets. The continuity of the long-term action plans announced in the 2008, 2014, and 2018 election manifestos has also been maintained in the twelfth election manifesto," she said.   The AL chief said they will not claim that they have always been cent percent successful in running the government despite sincerity and devotion.   She continued: "Awami League does not believe in the politics of words. We do what we say. The implementation of election manifestos of 2008, 2014, and 2018 is proof of that." But at times, she said man-made, natural, and global obstacles slow down Bangladesh's progress, adding that during 2013-16, they had to move forward by confronting the attempts of BNP-Jamaat to spread terrorism and militancy. Since 2009, they had to deal with several natural disasters while the biggest blow came in 2020 when the global coronavirus pandemic broke out, Sheikh Hasina said, adding that the pandemic devastated economies and health systems around the entire world. "Our government has successfully handled this terrible pandemic of the 21st century and kept the wheels of the economy running," she said. However, as soon as the pressure of the coronavirus pandemic stops; first, the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, and this year, the Israel-Palestine war started, she added. The sanction and counter-sanction against each other have thrown the world economy into turmoil and the least developed and developing countries like Bangladesh are being forced to import products at higher prices, she continued. The depreciation of the domestic currency has led to an increase in inflation, which has an impact on commodity prices and people's lives, the premier said. "Several times, despite multifaceted and all-out efforts, we have not been able to curb the rise in prices of daily necessities. This problem is not only for our country, but this problem is also for all rich and poor countries," she said. However, "we are trying to reduce the plight of the lower and lower-middle-class people through various initiatives, including expanding social safety net coverage. We hope that we can overcome this obstacle very soon, InshaAllah," she added. Whenever the election comes, the AL chief said an anti-liberation, anti-Bangladesh, and anti-development clique becomes active with a leap of conspiracy. "They enter the field by using tricks or vote rigging or through the back door to come to power. If they become unsuccessful, they jump on the people to take revenge," she said. She went on saying that the anti-liberation force want to intimidate the public through arson attack, burning of vehicle, bombing, sabotage, or terrorist activities. "This time there was no exception. This time, they are also making conspiracies from abroad. Realizing that they will not get the people's mandate, they have already indulged in terrorist activities," she said. In the name of the hartal-blockade, the AL president said that vehicles are being burnt, people are being killed, railway lines are being rooted up, and various vandalisms are being carried out continuously. "The charred bodies of the mother and child have deeply shaken everyone's conscience. Such heinous acts can no longer be tolerated. Without getting the response to the people, mercenary forces are continuing this vandalism and damaging the vehicles," she said. The people of this country will never let them fulfill their dream of disrupting the election through terrorism, she continued. "As you resisted them in 2013-2016, let us collectively defend them this time. This anti-independence, anti-development vulture party will never be able to wound Bangladesh with their poisonous teeth and claws - let's take this oath in the month of victory," the AL chief said. She reminded that this country's outstanding achievements- starting from establishing the rights to speak the mother tongue and achieving the motherland's independence, have come through the hands of the Awami League. The AL president said Bangladesh has been transformed in the last 15 years as today's Bangladesh is by no means poverty-stricken or economically fragile.  "I can unequivocally say that today's Bangladesh is now a 'Changed Bangladesh.' Bangladesh is now a fast-paced country moving forward with its potential. Minor setbacks cannot hinder our economic progress today," she said. AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader also spoke at the function. Convener of the Election Manifesto Sub-Committee Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque gave the address of welcome. Cabinet members, politicians, foreign diplomats, educationists, journalists and eminent personalities of the country were present. Two video documentaries highlighting the journey of Bangladesh towards prosperity under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were screened at the function.   Sheikh Hasina briefly described the main features of her party's election manifesto depicting their future plans to transform Bangladesh into developed, prosperous and Smart Bangladesh by 2041. Transition from digital to smart Bangladesh: AL announced the building of 'Smart Bangladesh as technological capabilities are essential to survive in the global competition in the fourth industrial revolution era, the prime minister said. "If elected by the people's vote, we will make Bangladesh a hunger-poverty-free smart country by 2041, Inshallah," she said. Good Governance: She said Awami League is always active in ensuring people's fundamental and democratic rights. "If we get elected and form the government, the practice of transparency, accountability, good governance, and democratic values will be strengthened in all aspects of state management," she said. The AL chief said Bangladesh Awami League is always vocal about the rule of law and human rights. "The independence and dignity of the judiciary will be preserved. Measures to ensure the independence and effectiveness of the National Human Rights Commission will continue," she added. Public welfare-oriented, accountable, efficient, and smart administration: She said efforts will continue to create an efficient, enterprising, IT-based, corruption-free, patriotic, and public welfare-oriented administrative system through recruitment based on merit. Building a people-friendly law enforcement force: Bangladesh Awami League has always worked towards establishing a modern, advanced, humane, and people-friendly law and order force, Sheikh Hasina said.  "Due to this, the capacity of the law enforcement agencies has been immensely enhanced. The law enforcement force of Smart Bangladesh will be made smart and modern," she said. Zero-tolerance policy against corruption: "Awami League has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. To this end, the government has taken a concerted initiative with the people and is working to root out corruption from society," she said.  "To inculcate an anti-corruption attitude among the students, chapters on the evils of corruption and what to do to prevent corruption will be added to the education curriculum," she said. Freedom of Media: Noting that Awami League government has ensured the free flow of information and freedom of media, Sheikh Hasina said arrangements will be made so that journalists cannot face torture, intimidation, or false cases. "As per the newly enacted law, 'The Cyber Security Act of 2023', the privacy and information of individuals will be protected, and appropriate measures will continue to be taken to prevent misuse," she said. Terrorism and Communalism The Awami League is committed to fighting against terrorism, establishing democratic rights of all citizens, and improving people's quality of life, the premier said. "The supremacy of the constitution in the country's governance, the establishment of the rule of law, and the formation of a society free from terrorism will be ensured," she said. "Bangladesh is home to people of all religions, castes, and professions. We want a non-communal Bangladesh", she added. Local Government: As an integral part of the central budget, local governments at various levels will continue to build capacity for budget formulation and project implementation to achieve balanced development, Sheikh Hasina said. "The distribution of responsibilities among Zilla Parishad, Upazila Parishad, and Union Parishad will be more precise," she said.   Macro-economy: In the last decade and a half, Bangladesh has established itself as a dynamic and fast-growing global economic power. "If elected, the Awami League government will adopt the necessary policies and strategies to implement the goals and plans. A correlation between market value and income will be established," the AL chief said. Money Supply and Banking System: She said import and export trade will be balanced, reducing uncertainty in the supply of foreign exchange. "Laws will be strictly enforced to recover defaulted loans," she said. Combating Financial Crime: She said effective action will be taken against money launderers. "Eradication of bribery and corruption at all levels of the state and society, prevention of unearned income, and punishment of debt-tax-bill defaulters and corrupt persons will be executed through the judicial system. Their illegal money and property will be confiscated", she added. Poverty alleviation and inequality reduction: The AL has set targets to reduce the poverty rate to 11 percent, end extreme poverty, and reduce the poverty rate to 3 percent by 2041. "If elected, we will implement it," Sheikh Hasina said. 'Amar Gram-Amar Shohor': Extension of Modern Urban Facilities to Every Village: If AL is elected and form the government, it will continue to improve roads and communication, provide clean water, modern health care, medical treatment and quality education, improve sewage and waste management, increase electricity and fuel supply, ensure computers, and high-speed internet facilities, expand the market for quality consumer goods including electrical appliances, she said. "We will continue to ensure that every village has all the facilities of a modern town. Self-employment will be arranged in the village to reduce the tendency of the village youth to move towards the city," she added. Young Youth: 'The Power of Youth - Prosperity of Bangladesh' If Awami League is elected, the youth will be involved in the transformation and development of Bangladesh as employment opportunities will be expanded for work-worthy, qualified youth and youth, Sheikh Hasina said. Agriculture, Food and Nutrition: "If we are elected, support and subsidies for agriculture, i.e., investment support in agricultural materials to increase agricultural production, will continue. Usable agricultural machinery will be made readily available and accessible. Subsidy on agricultural machinery will be continued," she said. She also said commercial agriculture, biotechnology, genetic engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, nano-technology, including the development of rural non-agricultural sectors, and suitable strategies will be adopted to deal with globalization. Particular emphasis will continue to be given to the modernization of agriculture, technological innovation, and expansion of agricultural research facilities, she added. Fisheries and Livestock Citing that livestock productivity will be increased by 1.5 times by 2028, she said soft loans, necessary subsidies, technical advice, and policy support will be provided to establish commercial dairy and poultry farms, increase self-employment, and alleviate poverty. Industrial Development: "If elected, we will formulate appropriate policies and programs to attract the entrepreneurial class," she said, adding that small, medium, and cottage industries, handloom, and sericulture will be preserved, and competitiveness will be enabled for employment expansion. "We will take initiatives to diversify leather and jute products and make these industries profitable. Private sector initiatives in the jute industry will be encouraged," she continued. Electricity and Energy: Long-term plans have been adopted to increase power generation capacity to 40,000 MW by 2030 and 60,000 MW by 2041, the premier said.  Ten thousand megawatts of electricity will be produced from clean energy as gas supply will be ensured in the northern and western regions of the country, she said. Communication: Development of waterways, roads, railways, and Bangladesh Biman will continue as safe communication systems will be improved from the capital to villages, she said. Education: Awami League will increase the budget allocation for the education sector and ensure its effective use. To implement Smart Bangladesh, more importance will be given to language, higher mathematics, and science education at Secondary and Higher Secondary levels as appropriate laboratories for science education will be expanded to the village level, Sheikh Hasina said.   Health Care and Family Welfare: In continuation of Vision-2021, basic health, and family welfare services will be enhanced and expanded under the programs of Vision-2041, the AL chief said. To ensure digital healthcare, a unique health ID will be provided to every person in the country, and hospital automation management will be introduced, she said.  A Universal Health System will be established to ensure equal health care for all citizens. Health Insurance will be introduced, and Centers for Non-communicable Disease Treatment and Rehabilitation of Senior Citizens will be set up under the Healthy Aging Scheme, the premier said. Mental health and autism healthcare facilities at all levels will be made more effective. Overseas Employment: The AL will expand the trade-based training system, considering international needs to increase the export of skilled manpower. "We will continue to take effective measures to provide legal assistance to workers abroad. Legal measures will be taken to safeguard the fair treatment of women workers abroad," Sheikh Hasina said. Foreign Affairs: If elected, Bangladesh's development cooperation with all the countries will continue, she said. Cooperation with neighboring countries will continue in various areas, including cross-border communication, transit, energy partnership, and equitable water sharing, she added. Besides, the election manifesto focused on women empowerment, fighting climate change and environmental protection, welfare of child, the aged persons, freedom fighters, people with special needs, development of small ethnic communities, ethnic groups and religious minorities, Dalits and neglected communities, Hijra (Transgender) community, development and modernization of defense forces, and strengthening digital land management.   Source: BSS

Bangladesh Awami League (AL) is set to announce the ‘12th Jatiya Sangsad Election Manifesto-2024’ tomorrow (Dce 27) morning. “With the main theme of building a 'Smart Bangladesh', Awami League President Sheikh Hasina will announce the election manifesto at a city hotel tomorrow at 10 am,” the election manifesto drafting committee convener and AL presidium member Dr Abdur Razzak told today (Dce 26). He added: “Awami League’s polls’ manifesto is not just a party manifesto. . . It is literally the manifesto of the whole nation, where top priority has given to involve more youths with development.” Referring to previous election manifestos which were implemented properly, he said the slogan of the Awami League's manifesto in the 2008 general polls was the 'The Charter of Change' with Digital Bangladesh concept followed by 'Bangladesh is moving forward (Egiye Jachhe Bangladesh) in 2014 and “Bangladesh on the march of prosperity” in 2018. Dr Razzaque said this year’s manifesto highlighted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s prime target for making Bangladesh a developed country by 2041, building a ‘Smart Bangladesh’, taking special initiative to combat corruption, arresting the price spiral and ensuring the good governance in financial sector. “Not only that, Awami League has created a roadmap for long-term development beyond the specific tenure of the government in each manifesto. Each of these has been implemented very smoothly and this time the election manifesto will also be smart and mass-oriented,” the convener categorically added. Apart from providing modern technology to people through Smart Bangladesh, he said the manifesto is aimed to create employment opportunities, especially for the youths, through tangible and visible developments. The goal of the “Smart Bangladesh” is to accelerate industrialization with local and foreign investment, create employment and increase the earning capacity of the people, he said. Member Secretary of the manifesto drafting committee and AL Information & Research Secretary Dr. Salim Mahmud said apart from the initiatives to draw attention of the young voters, this year manifesto has also given priority to agriculture, economic and industrial production sectors and service sectors. Attention to will be given to the fundamental rights of the transgender and other marginalized people will also be given in the manifesto,” he added. A 25-member committee headed by Dr Razzaque has prepared the AL Election Manifesto-2024 in consultation with cross section people.   Source: BSS

Prime Minister and Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina today asked her party men to work for ensuring a free, fair and peaceful national election on January 7 so that none can raise any question about it. She also reiterated her call to vote for "Boat" for continuation of the development. "You will work for holding the next general election in a free, fair and peaceful manner so that none can raise any question about the polls," she said. She made the call while virtually addressing the election rallies in Panchagarh and Lalmonirhat in Rangpur division, Natore and Pabna in Rajshahi division and Khagrachhari in Chattogram division together from the AL office at Tejgaon here this afternoon. The AL chief asked her party men to make sure the participation of the people in the next polls so that they can vote freely for the candidates of their choice. "Participation of the people and the voters in the upcoming election is a must. It matters nothing which party is taking part in the election or not," she said. She mentioned that BNP will not participate in the election as there is no guarantee of rigging votes. "There was no question about the fairness of 2008 election. BNP-led alliance only got 30 seats in that election. They will not take part in this election as they failed to assume power in 2008," she said. The premier reminded all that the BNP was been dislodged from the power twice by the countrymen on charges of vote rigging. But the Awami League believes in election and thus empowers the people as it had established democracy and voting rights of the people after a long struggle.  The AL chief asked her party men to shun the path of violence and give scope for electioneering to every candidate, including the independent candidates of her party, to drum up public supports in favour of them. She said all the candidates will have to go to the people and seek vote for them shunning the path of violence without interrupting others in their election campaign. "We want the people to cast their vote freely. They will vote for the candidates of their choice and thus democracy will be strengthened further," she said. Otherwise, Bangladesh and its development will be ruined, she warned. "Those who get votes from the people will be elected. None will interfere with anyone's rights. I don't want to see any violence and conflict to this end," she said. She sounded a note of warning against his party men in case of any involvement in violence over the election. "If any violence occurs and involvement of any of my partymen is found, they will not be spared. Keep in mind that I will take appropriate measures in this regard," she said. The Awami League president once again sought vote for her party's electoral symbol 'Boat' for the continuation of the ongoing development and transforming the country into a poverty-and hunger-free Smart Bangladesh. "The people of the country had got independence and financial freedom while Bangladesh has earned the status of a developing country... We will build a developed, prosperous, poverty-and hunger-free Smart Bangladesh if people vote us to power to serve them," she said. The Awami League president formally started the party's electioneering on Wednesday through the visits to the shrines of saints Shahjalal and Shah Paran in Sylhet. She then attend a public rally, organised by Sylhet district and city units of the AL, at the Government Alia Madrasa ground in the city's Chowhatta area at 2:00pm. She is expected to be in Barishal on December 29 and address an election rally in the district town at 3:00pm on that day. Sheikh Hasina will then visit Gopalganj on December 30 and address a rally in Gopalganj-3 (Tungipara and Kotalipara) constituency. She will address the AL rally in Madaripur-3 the same day. Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, MP, Presidium Members Kazi Zafarullah and Advocate Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Join General Secretary and Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, MP, Office Secretary Barrister Biplab Barua and his deputy Sayem Khan were present at Tejgaon party office end. While local AL leaders were present at the five district rallies which turned into human seas with participation of hundreds of thousands of people from all strata of life.  A video documentary on the unprecedented nationwide developments in every sector, including health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, information communication and technology, poverty reduction, socio-economic and food production, carried out by the Awami League government in the last 15 years, was screened on the occasion. Source : BSS

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who is also the president of the ruling Awami League, will formally kick off the election campaign of the ruling party from a rally in Sylhet likely to be held on December 20. Obaidul Quader, general secretary of Awami League, made the announcement during a press briefing at the party chief's Dhanmondi political office today. "The prime minister will offer prayer at the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal and Hazrat Shah Paran in Sylhet, which will be followed by a grand rally. With the rally, she will formally inaugurate the electioneering," said Quader. Obaidul Quader alleged that talk of human rights does not suit the BNP as they broke all records in violating human rights. "The BNP has even today claimed that Bangladesh, the Awami League-led government stand first in violating human rights. The example they set in violating human rights is unmatched in the contemporary world. How come they are talking about human rights? They don't even have any shame," said Quader. While he was Asked for comment on the Jatiya Party's demand to withdraw AL nominees from some constituencies, Obaidul Quader said he would not make any comment until the decision is finalised.