Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her desire for transparent, equitable, and impartial Upazila elections, enabling citizens to choose their preferred representatives freely.
"I advocate for unbiased, unfettered, and impartial Upazila polls. The victors should reflect the people's choices. The Awami League has attained power through the people's will," she stated.
During a media briefing at her official Ganabhaban residence following her recent six-day official trip to Thailand, she reiterated her government's commitment to enhancing the electoral process to be more inclusive and transparent.
She highlighted legislative efforts, such as establishing the Election Commission and ensuring its financial autonomy, detached from the Prime Minister's Office, with a separate budget allocation.
Sheikh Hasina emphasized that all measures were taken to facilitate free and fair elections, ensuring voters' rights were respected.
Reflecting on the 12th parliamentary election held on January 7, 2024, she asserted it was conducted with unprecedented fairness compared to previous elections since 1975.
She condemned attempts, both domestically and internationally, to disrupt the election process, affirming that the Awami League's victory was a testament to the people's support.
She underscored the Awami League's origins as a response to popular demands, contrasting it with parties born out of illegitimate state power seizures.
She criticized political parties advocating for election boycotts, urging journalists to counter such efforts that undermine citizens' constitutional rights.
The Prime Minister addressed concerns about leftist parties' intentions to displace the Awami League, questioning their alternatives for governance.
She affirmed the continuity of the 14-party alliance, emphasizing its importance in national politics.
Looking ahead, she announced plans to celebrate the Awami League's 75th anniversary, inviting foreign political parties to participate.
She deplored propaganda against the nation's progress, affirming the public's trust in the Awami League's governance.
She emphasized her vision of development, focusing on rural welfare and improved living standards.
Regarding the ongoing heatwave, she urged caution and hydration, highlighting her party's efforts to distribute relief items.
She called for extensive tree plantation to mitigate natural disasters and criticized developed nations for failing to fulfill climate change commitments.
Reflecting on her successful Thailand visit, she emphasized mutual cooperation in various sectors, including high-tech parks and tourism.
She discussed Rohingya repatriation efforts and Myanmar's situation with her Thai counterpart, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation.
She criticized US police actions against protests and voiced solidarity with Palestine against Israeli aggression.
Returning from Thailand on April 29, she concluded her remarks, stressing the importance of global cooperation for socio-economic advancement.
