Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said the people will definitely vote for Awami League in the next general election – for the sake of continued development of the country.
“I firmly believe that people will vote for Awami League if they want the ongoing development trend to continue. And if they don’t, there’s nothing to do. It is up to them,” she said at a press conference to brief on her recent visit to India, at her official residence Ganobhaban.
The premier said there is nothing wrong with the formation of new political alliances as her party wants participation of all parties in the next national election.
“We want all to participate in the election. If anyone doesn’t join, it is up to the decision of the respective (political) party. But we can’t halt the constitutional trend. The democratic trend in line with the constitution will continue,” she said, focusing on her government’s successes to ensure the overall socio-economic development of the country, particularly in economic progress, trade and business and employment generation.
In reply to a question whether Jatiya Party will join the next national election as an ally of the AL-led combine, the AL president said more than one year is still left to hold the next general election. “Time will say which party will stay with us or not or form a new alliance. We don’t have any problem,” she added.
Replying to another question, Hasina said the dollar crisis is not only in Bangladesh alone, rather the crisis is seen throughout the world.
She feared that if the war (Russia-Ukraine) and sanctions and counter-sanctions are not lifted, the world may face a deeper crisis including famine and acute economic crisis.
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In this context, the PM renewed her call to the citizens to grow their own foods as part of the preparation to face the imminent crisis.
Asked about India’s stand on Rohingya repatriation to Myanmar during her visit, she said India thinks and realizes that the long stay of Rohingya here in Bangladesh is creating crisis and damaging the natural resources and environment.
“We’ve asked India to cooperate in this regard and we’ve received a positive response….India always thinks it should be solved,” Hasina said.
She, however, said the problem lies with the Myanmar government and it is engaged in internal conflicts.
Responding to another question, the premier said that she has received much more sincerity from the Indian side during her recent visit from September 5 to 8 .
“I received enough sincerity. When I had talks to the (Indian) President, the Prime Minister and others, they always showed sincerity,” she said.
She said all parties and the people from all creeds in India can reach consensus regarding Bangladesh as they did during the 1971 Liberation War and implementation of the historic land boundary agreement to exchange enclaves between the two countries.
Sheikh Hasina said there might be various problems between the two neighbouring countries. “But I think the problems can be solved through discussion,” she continued.