Dhaka, Jan 1 (IANS) Asking people to remain alert, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wednesday said a group of civil society members, who according to her were responsible for the political changeover in 2007, are active again to bring about the same situation.
“This group of civil society members who consider themselves as eminent persons is trying to establish an undemocratic government again as they feel ignored when a democratic government remains in power,” the Daily Star quoted Hasina as saying during her election campaign in Mirpur.
A military-backed caretaker government took over Jan 11, 2007, from former president Iajuddin Ahmed, proclaiming a state of Emergency amid political confrontations between the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Terming the Jan 5 general elections as very important for continuation of the constitutional processes in the country, Hasina urged people to cast their votes as it is their democratic right.
She also said that a conspiracy is being hatched to foil the Jan 5 elections.
“Conspiracies and schemes are on to hinder the elections. So, I urge the countrymen to remain alert in this regard,” said Hasina while addressing three election rallies in the capital.
She added the government has tried every option to sit and arrange a dialogue with BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia to solve the ongoing political impasse.
But the opposition leader denied it “as she likes terrorism, vandalism and killing of people in the name of movement”, alleged the prime minister.
She said people have no involvement with the BNP-led opposition’s movements which she termed as “acts of terrorism” as people are being bombed and killed.
Hasina, president of the Awami League, addressed two more rallies in Pallabi and Uttara.
During her campaign at Mirpur Adarsha High School ground, she urged people to resist those who would try to foil the polls.
In her speech, she sought votes for the Awami League nominated candidates.