Cast vote for Boat: PM urges new voters

Awami League (AL) President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called upon the new and young voters to cast their vote for `Boat’ to continue the country's development.

"I call upon the youth folk and new voters to vote for the Boat to continue the country's journey towards development," she said.

Sheikh Hasina was addressing a big election rally at Kalabagan Krira Chakra ground in Dhanmondi here in the afternoon.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh has witnessed a massive socio-economic change since Awami League has been in power from 2008.

"Bangladesh has emerged as developing country, transforming it into a digital nation. If Awami League is voted to power again, it will help take forward Bangladesh towards a developed, prosperous and Smart Bangladesh nation 2041," she said.

She said BNP has boycotted the election as they found to scope to rig the voting rights of the people.  

“Now BNP-Jammat are trying to foil the poll and snatch away your vote through arson terrorism,” AL chief said adding “To give them an appropriate answer, every voter with their near and dear ones should go to polling centre in the morning and exercise your franchise."

Urging the people to remain alert against the BNP-Jamaat clique Sheikh Hasina said, "You will cast your vote and make sure none can prevent you from casting your voting rights.

Referring to the BNP-Jamaat's arson terrorism, Sheikh Hasina said they had tried to foil 2014 parliamentary election through violence, but failed.

“Now they are out to thwart the 12th parliamentary election slated for January 7 for which they are once again started burning people to death through arson violence and subversive acts,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina said her party has established the voting rights of the people. BNP and Jamaat have no courage to snatch the rights and foiling the election.

As Sheikh Hasina reached the venue a huge gathering of supporters welcomed her with a roaring response. She greeted the audience waving the national flag.

Introducing all 15 AL candidates of Dhaka, the AL chief has sought vote for her party's electoral symbol Boat, describing the Boat as the symbol of development, peace and prosperity.

She continued: "I am handing over 15 jewels to you who will act as your servants. They will serve you and people of Dhaka," she said.

“Boat had earned the country's independence and saved mankind from the great storm during the period of Nuh Nabi (AS).

The AL chief witnessed a colourful cultural programme performed by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader, MP, Presidium Member and Dhaka-13 AL candidate Advocate Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Joint General Secretary and Dhaka -8 AL candidate AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Barrister Fazle Noor Taposh, and Dhaka-10 AL candidate and Dhallywood actor Ferdous Ahmed, among other spoke at the rally.

Dhaka North City AL President Sheikh Bazlur Rahman presided over the rally while Dhaka South City AL General Secretary Humayun Kabir moderated it.

Leaders from the AL's central and Dhaka city units and its associate bodies were present.