Awami League led fight to secure voting rights in Bangladesh: Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has underlined her government's commitment to upholding the people's right to vote ahead of the 12th national election in Bangladesh.

With the election slated for early January, critics of the Awami League government, including the largest opposition group BNP, have raised questions about the integrity of the polls.

But Hasina cast doubt on the motives behind the BNP and its allies' constant clamour for fair and free elections.

"Why are so many questions being raised about the elections now? The country is progressing rapidly and I believe the real motive is to thwart the election," she said while briefing the media on Friday about her trip to New York for the 78th UN General Assembly.

"Those who came to power illegally shouldn't lecture us on fair elections."

The upcoming election is also attracting international scrutiny, with some countries questioning the fairness of Bangladesh's electoral process.

Hasina recalled the Awami League's 'relentless fight' to restore the right to vote in the country after decades of military rule and highlighted the electoral reforms implemented by her administration.

"We initiated significant electoral reforms, including the introduction of voter lists with photos and transparent ballot boxes. We also passed laws to establish an independent Election Commission, which used to be entirely under the control of the Prime Minister's Office.”

"The movement and struggle for the people's right to vote in Bangladesh was led by the Awami League, and we successfully established a democratic system. It's because of this democratic process that the people have repeatedly elected us to power, and it's during our tenure that we've witnessed substantial economic development."

In the run-up to the election, the United States has also announced visa restrictions targeting Bangladeshis who undermine the democratic process.

Asked whether the visa policy has put a strain on the ties between Washington and Dhaka, Hasina said, "Our foreign policy is very clear, friendship to all and malice towards none. So, we are adhering to that and have a friendly relationship with everyone.”

Hasina returned home on Wednesday after her trip to the United States and the United Kingdom. She left Dhaka to attend the UNGA and other events in New York on Septermber 17.