'National elections will be fair with the participation of all parties'

News Desk: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed hope that the forthcoming parliamentary elections will be held in a free and fair manner with the spontaneous participation of all political parties. "All political parties have ensured an environment conducive to party activities, including participation in elections," he said. He expressed this hope in response to a question from Jatiya Party MP Syed Abu Hossain during the question and answer session of the Eleventh Jatiya Sangsad on Wednesday (June 22). Speaker Dr. The question and answer session was presided over by Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury. Referring to the Bangladesh Election Commission as an independent and constitutional body, the Prime Minister said, The Election Commission shall be independent in carrying out its duties and shall be subject only to the Constitution and the law. According to sections 4 and 5 of the Representation of the People Order 1972, it is the duty of the government and the executive to assist the Election Commission in discharging its duties. ” The Prime Minister said, “The President appoints a Chief Election Commissioner and four Election Commissioners in accordance with the Election Commission Act-2022 as per the powers vested in Article 116 (1) of the Constitution. The current commission is committed to making all elections, including the National Assembly elections, fair and neutral under the constitution and the prevailing law. ” Stating that elections are an essential element in a democratic state system, Sheikh Hasina said, "The contribution of Bangladesh Awami League in safeguarding the independence, sovereignty and democracy of Bangladesh is historic and undeniable. The Awami League has been playing a leading role in the development and progress of democracy in the country. Therefore, the present government led by the Awami League is playing a sincere and positive role in creating a conducive environment for holding free, fair and credible elections. ” The Prime Minister said the government has taken various steps to make the forthcoming parliamentary elections more acceptable and participatory, adding that the Election Commission formation law, voter list with pictures and introduction of EVMs would be introduced.