Awami League President Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said none can now say the votes were cast at night instead of daytime in this election or votes were rigged.
"None can say the votes were cast at night instead of daytime in this election. None has the power to say anything that the votes were rigged because the election was held in very transparent, free and neutral manners," she said while addressing a rally marking the historic Homecoming Day of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman after the 1971 Liberation War at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka.
On January 10, 1972 Bangabandhu, the architect of Bangladesh returned to independent Bangladesh via London and New Delhi after 290 days of confinement in Pakistan jail during the countrys Liberation War. The AL observes the day as Homecoming Day.
Bangladesh Awami League arranged the rally in observance of the historic Homecoming Day.
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, presidium members Mofazzel Hossain Chowdhury Maya and Qamrul Islam, among others, spoke at the rally.
AL Presidium Member Faruk Khan, Dr Mustafa Jalal Mohiuddin, Shajahan Khan, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, MP, Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif, MP, AFM Bahauddin Nasim, MP, were also present at the rally.
AL Publicity and Publication Secretary Abdus Sobhan Golap moderated the programme.
Obaidul Quader on behalf of Awami League greeted Sheikh Hasina with flowers as she is going to be the five-time Prime Minister through Awami Leagues landslide victory in the January 7 general election.
Sheikh Hasina said that from now on none can hinder the countrys advancement as her party is resuming power again following its landslide victory in the January 7 general election.
"Since Awami League can come to power again, no one can disrupt the current progress of Bangladesh anymore," she said
Sheikh Hasina, who presided over the programme, said many wanted to stop this election, but failed.
"The voter turnout is 41.8 per cent in this election even after there were attempts to prevent the voters from casting their votes, which is a very big matter," she said, adding that a particular party was trying to resist the election when AL and its like-minded parties joined it.
She welcomed the people for voting Awami League again by going to polling centres amid fear of terrorist and arson attack and life threat.
She said none can question the 12th parliamentary election as it was held in fair, free and neutral manners. "We have not interfered in the elections. The law enforcement agencies and administrations were under the Election Commission during the election. All of the authorities have assisted the EC duly."
"BNP has not come to power following the path of democracy. Coming to power, it had taken the path of killing people. They have again taken the same path of killing people to obstruct the election," he added.
The Prime Minister said, "We have come here to change the life of the people. The democratic system has been strengthened. Due to continuous democratic ruling, the country has experienced immense development. The country is moving forward in all sectors. But, some people have been opposing it as they don like the development of the country."
"They feel better if there is an unelected government in power. I am grateful to the people as they have given us votes to continue the democratic system again. They have given us support," she added.
The rally began at the capitals Suhrawardy Udyan at around 3:30pm. AL President Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presided over the meeting.
A large stage has been constructed on the east side of the lake in Suhrawardy Udyan for the rally. Party activists started gathering at Suhrawardy Udyan from noon to participate in the rally.
Apart from Dhaka, leaders and activists from outside the capital also joined the programme.
Meanwhile, roads have been diverted to limit vehicle movement on roads surrounding Suhrawardy Udyan because of the rally.
The areas where traffic diversion has been placed were Kataban Crossing, Hotel InterContinental Crossing, Matsya Bhaban Crossing, Doel Chattar Crossing, DU Medical Centre Crossing, Jagannath Hall Crossing, DU Sculpture Crossing and DU VC Bunglow Crossing until the rally ended.
The DMP Traffic division had requested the city dwellers to use alternative roads avoiding travelling in those areas surrounding the rally venue.
AL men flooded Dhaka streets to join the rally at Suhrawardy Udyan.
Hundreds of Awami League leaders and activists are converging at Suhrawardy Udyan to attend a public rally organized to commemorate the historic Homecoming Day. Supporters from various parts of Dhaka and the surrounding districts have been arriving since Wednesday morning, creating a festive atmosphere.
They entered the Suhrawardy Udyan in small processions through different gates, marking the occasion with exuberance following their resounding victory in the 12th national parliament election.
Leaders and activists could be observed passionately chanting various slogans on the occasion.
In addition, leaders and activists from affiliated organizations such as Jubo League, Swechasebak League, Sramik League, and Chhatra League joined the public meeting, carrying banners and placards.
To ensure the security of the gathering, members of law enforcement agencies were deployed in the area.
With the imminent formation of the new government, Awami League leaders and activists are seizing the occasion of Bangabandhus Homecoming Day to celebrate their fourth consecutive term.
Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman returned to independent Bangladesh on January 10 in 1972.
Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed a public meeting on the historic Homecoming Day of the undisputed leader of Bangladesh.
