Next election to be free, fair, participatory: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday hoped that the next parliamentary election will be held in a free and fair manner with the spontaneous participation of all political parties, as her government has taken various measures to make it more inclusive, acceptable and participatory.

The premier expressed this optimism in parliament while replying to a tabled question from Jatiya Party (JP) lawmaker Syed Abu Hossain of Dhaka-4 (Demra-Shyampur) constituency, reports BSS.

The Leader of the House also spelled out eleven significant measures taken by the government to make the election more inclusive and acceptable.

The measures include ensuring an environment for participation of all political parties and to carry out party activities during the election.

The Jatiya Party lawmaker also asked the Prime Minister whether she has any special plan, as the daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, to ensure participation of all registered political parties to make the election more acceptable and inclusive.

Sheikh Hasina said as per Article 118 (4) of the Constitution, the Election Commission (EC) is an independent and constitutional body.

“The chief election commissioner and other election commissioners carry out their respective works independently in line with the constitution and the law. The government assists the EC as per its requirement,” she added.

“(I) hope that the next Jatiya Sangsad polls will be held in a free and fair manner with participation of all political parties,” said the premier.

The president of ruling Awami League also said the EC will remain independent in carrying out its activities and it will work only under the jurisdiction of the Constitution and the law.

"It is the duty of the government and the executive authority to assist the EC in carrying out its activities,” she continued.

Sheikh Hasina said that it is the Awami League which has been playing a leading role in flourishing and advancing the country’s democracy.

"Therefore, the present government led by Awami League has been playing a sincere and positive role in creating a suitable environment for holding free, fair and acceptable elections,” she said.