Gazipur polls herald Awami League victory in parliamentary election, says Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina says the Awami League’s victory in the Gazipur City Corporation polls is an encouraging sign for the coming general election.

The Awami League president emphasised the importance of the results from the Gazipur and Khulna city polls.

“We won these elections and they are carrying us towards victory in the future,” she said.

Hasina made the remarks while meeting with Gazipur mayor-elect Zahangir Alam and the newly elected councillors at the Ganabhaban on Saturday.

The Awami League took both the Gazipur and Khulna mayoral seats in the elections.

Though the BNP has raised allegations of fraud, they have been denied by the ruling Awami League. The people have been persuaded by the government’s record on development, they said.

Hasina gave her regards to the new mayor and councillors at the start of her address.

“Unity was the most important factor in these significant victories,” she said. “We have been able to win by staying united. We won in Khulna because we put aside our differences and came together.”

“The Awami League can accomplish anything it wants to if it remains united. It has been able to overcome all obstacles whenever it has done so.”

She noted the 200,000 vote margin between the Awami League and BNP candidates in the Gazipur polls.

“This win shows that the Awami League can be victorious when it is determined.”

The Gazipur victory is a win for every party activist, she said.

“The Awami League has the wisdom of the elders and the vitality of youth,” Hasina said in reference to the 32-year-old Jahangir Alam. “The new generation must learn from their elders and understand the history of our country.”

She urged Alam to make use of the experiences of the older generation, saying that his victory had been due to the combined efforts of all involved.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, Gazipur Metropolitan Awami League President Azmat Ullah Khan and Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozzamel Huq also spoke at the event.

Quader lashed out at the BNP and US Ambassador Marcia Bernicat for their criticism of the city corporation polls.

“The BNP and foreign diplomats are speaking with one voice.”

“I say, tend to your own garden first. There is no need to stick your noses in our business. Our power comes from the people.”