Seeking vote is ‘my political right’, Hasina says in reaction to BNP criticism

In response to criticism of her seeking votes while visiting different districts as the prime minister, Sheikh Hasina says that as the president of the Awami League, it is her 'political right' to seek votes for the boat symbol.

The BNP has alleged Prime Minister Hasina violated the law by using state machinery and resources in 'party campaign' for the general election scheduled to be held by the end of this year.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

After she sought votes at a rally during her Thakurgaon visit last Thursday, BNP leader Moudud Ahmed said, “These are unethical activities and against the electoral code. There would be nothing to say if she spent her own money to seek votes.”

The Awami League chief raised the issue at the beginning of a meeting of the ruling party’s Central Working Committee at the Ganabhaban on Saturday.

“It’s our political right to seek vote for the boat. I am the president of a party. So, wherever I go, I will surely seek vote for my party.

“It’s my political right,” she said.

She asked the Awami League leaders to go the people and seek votes.

“People achieved independence and Bangla as the state language after they voted for the Awami League. And they are also experiencing development after voting boat.

“We must convey the message to the people that we want them to vote boat and allow us to work for the country’s development,” Hasina said.

The prime minister said the continuation of the country’s development was possible because the Awami League was re-elected in the 2014 elections.

“We will bring foreign investment which we need. But we must have our own resources so that we can keep our heads high,” she said.

She also emphasised that Bangladesh’s geopolitical position was congenial to economic development.