Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that she is committed to uphold democracy in Bangladesh. We fought for democracy and achieved democracy.
We are committed to upholding democracy.
The Prime Minister made the remarks when the US International Republican Institute (IRI) and National Democratic Institute (NDI) Pre-Election Observation Mission (Evaluation Mission-PEAM) paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister at Ganabhaban, the official residence, on Wednesday (October 11).
After the meeting, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim informed the journalists about this information.
Sheikh Hasina said that the ideal of Awami League is to uphold democracy and Awami League is fighting for democracy.
The Prime Minister briefed the delegation about the history of democracy in Bangladesh.
He also said that after the brutal killing of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975, the military rulers seized power through arms and formed political parties in Bangladesh.
The prime minister said, I was barred from returning to the country from the US during the 2007-2008 army-backed caretaker government.
He was threatened to be killed if he returned home. But ignored the death threats and returned to the country.
Sheikh Hasina mentioned that the main goal of the Awami League government is to ensure the basic rights of people – food, clothing, shelter, health and education, as dreamed by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
He said, they have brought down the rate of extreme poverty to 5.6 percent.
Bonnie Glick, the former deputy administrator of USAID, who led the 12-member delegation at the meeting, said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, there has been amazing economic development in Bangladesh.
He said that they have spoken to all stakeholders, including diplomats, and their aim is to listen to all stakeholders.
Bonnie Glick said, they do not represent the US government, they are here in their personal capacities. They want a peaceful transfer of power.
Former US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Karl F. Inderfurth said democracy has some inherent problems and the problems are in the US as well.
They thanked the Prime Minister for giving time despite his busy schedule.
At this time, Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Advisor Member of Parliament Salman F. Rahman, Member of Parliament Mohammad Ali Arafat, Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Masood Bin Momen, Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office Mohammad Salahuddin, Information and Research Secretary of Awami League. Salim Mahmud was present.
