Special Correspondent
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, continues to ignore the opposition’s demand for an election-time caretaker government asserting that the next general election will be held in line with the constitution that she had amendment by discarding the caretaker system with her brutal majority in the parliament.
Ignoring Court’s advise to hold next three general elections under the caretaker system, as incorporated in the constitution under political pressure from Awami League, Sheikh Hasina now argues that at least one national election should be held in line with the constitution for the progress on country’s democracy.
In this connection, Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina forewarned that opposition leader Khaleda Zia would have to languish in jail if caretaker government assumes office again.
Hinting at her arch rival Khaleda Zia, she quipped the players of ‘minus-two’ formula were still alive. Those who had wanted to implement the formula during that time often spoke loudly. “Conspirators will take the field with more vigour if they get chance.”
The PM apprehended that cases might be filed against politicians if the caretaker government assumed office again.
“There is no confusion about it….and she should remember it as nobody will spare her,” Hasina said while addressing a views-exchange meeting with the grassroots of the ruling Awami League’s Naogaon chapter at her official residence Ganabhaban on Wednesday.
“So, I ask the opposition leader to take the path of democracy by shunning other ways and you will be benefited.”
Awami League President Sheikh Hasina also claimed that the opposition leader lost her mental balance after a failed ultimatum. “What she will do! She has lost her balance.”
Mentioning the opposition leader’s 48-hour ultimatum, ignoring the government’s proposal for talks, Hasina said, “She wanted to seize power using the armed cadres of Jamaat-Shibir and occupying the street by Hefazat men.”
“We believe in people’s empowerment and the elections will be held in line with the constitution,” she said, alleging that there had been so many games and experiments on the elections.
“Inshallah, Bangladesh will hold such elections,” she said, thanking the opposition for participating in the city corporation elections. “By contesting the polls, the opposition gives indication that neutral election may take place during the Awami League regime.”
Emphasising the democratic progress, the Hasina said it is Awami League which would hold a fair, credible and neutral election.
After her introductory speech, a closed-door meeting started with the premier in the chair. Naogaon AL general secretary Abdul Malek placed an organisational report at the meeting. AL senior leaders, including Kazi Zafarullah, Satish Chandra Roy, Prof Alauddin Ahmed and Mahbub-ul-Alam Hanif, were among others present.
Source: Weekly Holiday