For flattery they want to diminish democratic system: PM

Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that a certain group wants to demolish the country’s democratic system due to their personal interests. People who make remarks such as, “Where is democracy here?’’, They are the ones who want a caretaker (emergency) government, an upheaval, or when a military ruler takes over, they appreciate a little flattery.

She made the remark on the occasion of the upcoming 22nd Awami League conference in her opening speech at the party's national committee meeting at Ganabhaban on Saturday.

She said, 'They want to destroy the democratic system of the country for their personal interests. But I believe that public power is the greatest power. Their faith and trust are the greatest strengths.'

Criticizing those who questioned the election, the Awami League president said, 'Who ensured the right of the people to vote, transparent ballot boxes, voter lists with pictures? Awami League government did. All these developments took place after we arrived.’ Khaleda Zia presented a voters' list of 1 crore 23 lakh fake voters. Nobody has forgotten that as of it. 

He said, 'Voting with fake voter list means trying to steal votes. I think that is democracy for them. People's vote theft, money theft, corruption, terrorism, militancy, democracy for them only if they have these. Otherwise, why would they go looking for democracy?'

Criticizing BNP and Khaleda Zia on the election issue, Sheikh Hasina said, 'People of Bangladesh, the people of Bangladesh do not accept if someone takes away their right to vote. People did not accept that Khaleda Zia stole votes in the February 15, 1996 elections. After forming the government in 2001, BNP prepared a fake voter list and the people did not accept it. That election was cancelled. BNP, Khaleda Zia had to withdraw twice for the crime of stealing votes.

Highlighting the development and progress of the Awami League government, the premier said, 'Bangladesh has progressed today because we built the country in the spirit of the Liberation War. We have transformed a Bangladesh that was once a terrorist, rogue and corrupted nation. Today that country is a wonder of democracy and development in the world. Awami League has been in power for 14 consecutive years so we have been able to bring about that change.'

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and all the members of the National Committee of the party were present in the meeting.