JOF’s decision to boycott JS politically wrong: PM

Publish: 1:48 PM, February 13, 2019 | Update: 1:48 PM, February 13, 2019

SANGSAD BHABAN  – Describing the BNP-led JatiyaOikyafront’s (JOF) decision to boycott parliament as “politically wrong”, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today reiterated her call to them to join the Jatiya Sangsad (JS).

“There will be a call of mine to those who were elected parliament members that they will come to the Jatiya Sangsad and speak here … I expect it from them,” she said replying to a supplementary from Jatiya Party lawmaker Fakhrul Imam.

The Leader of the House said if they come to parliament they will get a scope to speak in the House. This opportunity will only not be limited to the Jatiya Sangsad, she said, adding that the people could know their words as the parliamentary proceedings are directly broadcast through media including Sangsad Television.

The premier said those who got few seats after participating in the elections are not coming to parliament making huff. “I think they’ve taken a wrong decision politically,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina said the people are the owners of the vote, they will cast their vote as per their choice and have given it in this way

While talking about her dialogue with political parties before the December 30 polls, Sheikh Hasina said: “We wanted that all will work unitedly to build Bangladesh. So before the election, I invited all political parties
to a dialogue so that they take part in the elections.”

The prime minister said the talks were held later in a beautiful environment. About her party’s landslide victory in the last general polls, the Leader of the House said the people have got the fruits of development that took place in the last 10 years of the Awami League government.

“As they got the fruits of uplift, they took a decision much earlier that will cast vote for boat and they’ve given that vote to us,” she said.

The prime minister expressed her determination to build Bangladesh as the most developed, prosperous and peaceful country in South Asia.

“As long as I will remain alive, I will continue work for the continued development and progress of the country Insha Allah,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh as an independent and self-dignified country will maintain good relations with other countries of the world in the days to come.

The premier said Awami League government’s unprecedented success in different indexes of socioeconomic development for 10 years has established Bangladesh as a role model of development in the world.

“This has been possible due to our people-friendly policy and implementation of the programmes as well as hard labour and cooperation of the people … for it I extend my sincere thanks to the countrymen,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina informed the House that heads of state and government as well as chiefs of different international bodies totalling 97 countries and organisations extended their heartfelt congratulations to her on securing
absolute majority by the Awami League in the December 30 elections and being elected the prime minister for the fourth time.