Hasina has no chance of returning in the next 10 years: Speaker

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has said former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has no chance of returning to politics in the next 10 years, citing his political experience.

He made the remarks while responding to journalists’ questions at the Bhola Circuit House on Thursday (October 22), expressing hope that the upcoming local government elections would be free, fair and impartial.

The Speaker said Bangladesh had not held a fair election in the past 17 years, stressing the need for sweeping reforms to the electoral system.

He said people should be able to contest elections regardless of their financial status, adding that popularity and social acceptance should also be considered. He urged the Election Commission to introduce a system that would allow ordinary people to participate in elections.

Referring to the Awami League’s tenure in power, Hafiz Uddin said the political environment had made it difficult for honest, competent and neutral people to contest elections.

The Speaker also highlighted Bhola’s natural gas potential, saying the district appeared to have reserves comparable to the country’s existing gas reserves, with the possibility of further discoveries.

He said gas was a legitimate right of Bhola’s residents, who had been demanding access to it for a long time. He added that he would discuss the issue with the Energy Minister.