Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday (May 18) has said BNP has no right to speak about polls as they tainted the election process most during their tenures.
 
She said: "My question is how BNP raises questions about the election now. The history of the BNP-era election was so much tainted that they have no right to speak about the election. How do they speak?"
 
The premier was addressing a discussion meeting organised marking her homecoming day by Relief and Social Welfare Sub-committee of Awami League at its central party office in city's 23 Bangabandhu Avenue.
 
Joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban as chief guest, Sheikh Hasina said everybody can remember the election of Falu (Mosaddek Ali Falu) in Dhaka-10, and Magura election for which Khaleda Zia was ousted from power through movement.
 
The country also experienced "yes - no" vote in 1977, presidential election in 1978, general elections in 1979 and 1981 election and the February 15 election, she said, adding: "With such a tainted record, the question of election does not befit their mouths," the PM said.
 
The development of the election process such as making voter list with pictures, transparent ballot boxes and the use of EVM is the thinking and initiative of Awami League, she also said.
 
Sheikh Hasina said: "Voting rights of the people is one of the main rights and we've established it. So, they (BNP) can't raise questions on it."
 
Mentioning that Awami League is elected with the people's vote, the PM said they have returned the voting rights and democratic rights to the people.

BDST: 1930 HRS, MAY 18, 2022
MSK/SMS