Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said BNP has no right to speak about elections as they tainted the election process most during their tenures.
"My question is how BNP raises questions about the election now. The history of the BNP-era election was so tainted that they have no right to speak about the election. How do they speak?" she said.
The premier made this remark while addressing a discussion meeting organised to mark her homecoming day by the Relief and Social Welfare Sub-committee of Awami League at its central party office in the city's 23 Bangabandhu Avenue, reports BSS.
Joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban as chief guest, Sheikh Hasina said everybody can remember the election of Falu (Mosaddek Ali Falu) in Dhaka-10, and the Magura election for which Khaleda Zia was ousted from power through movement.
The country also experienced a "yes-no" vote in 1977, presidential election in 1978, general elections in 1979 and 1981 election and the February 15 election, she said, adding: "With such a tainted record, the question of election doers not befit their mouths," she said.
The Prime Minister added that the development of the election process such as making a voter list with pictures, transparent ballot boxes and the use of EVM is the thinking and initiative of the Awami League.
"Voting rights of the people is one of the main rights and we've established it. So, they (BNP) can't raise questions on it."
Mentioning that Awami League is elected with the people's vote, she said they have returned the voting rights and democratic rights to the people and it is the "real truth".
"Awami League is in power by dint of the people's strength and that is why it is working for the welfare of the people," she added.
The prime minister said what the country witnessed in the name of elections after the 1975 assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was snatching ballot boxes, filling the box after sealing ballots, attacking the opposition and even the scenarios in the election in 2001 were like that.
Sheikh Hasina said BNP has been speaking more but where is their leadership. "BNP has no leadership at all, all are convicted criminals, and it is not possible to win in any election by convicted criminals," she added.
She noted that they (BNP) want to make the election questionable with the apprehension of defeat in polls.
"If people do not respond to their (BNP) movement, who will be held responsible for that," she questioned.
Sheikh Hasina, also the president of the ruling Awami League, asked the ultra learnt and knowledgeable-intellectual persons to come and join politics if they have any intention to run the country.
"Please come in the field, come in the vote, none will snatch your votes, at least we can say we don't go to snatch votes, rather we (Awami League) get the votes of the people and will get votes as we work for the people," she added.
The head of government said the country's development could not be visible if the Awami League did not remain in power for a long time.
She highlighted the development activities of the Awami League government in its 1996-2001 tenure which were stopped or destroyed by the BNP-Jamaat led government in 2001-2006 tenure.
Coming down heavily on a section of knowledgeable persons and economists for their unnecessary criticism based on false information regarding the development projects, she said how they could talk foolishly like this and "that is my question."
Sheikh Hasina said this section of people is telling that the government has done a grave mistake by implementing mega projects, like Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and the rail line on Padma Bridge.
"They feel pain when we do anything for Bangladesh. Why are they still bootlickers of Pakistani military rulers? They don't see anything good for Bangladesh, they don't feel good when Bangladesh advances," she said.
The premier said the megaprojects are in the interest and welfare of the people of Bangladesh.
She mentioned that Bangladesh registered unprecedented development as Awami League is in power.
She said, "Will other parties who were in power can show a single example that they have done any good for the country or its people or brightened the image of the country. No, they can't, they just made Bangladesh the nation of beggars."
The Awami League president asked the leaders and activists of the party to strictly follow the policy and ideology of Awami League and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as it is the only party that can give something to the people of the country.
