Hiren Pandit: Continuity is necessary in any country for the development of the country. It is also very important to choose the right leadership of the countrymen so that the progress of development does not stop. If the economic and political stability of a country is maintained, the progress of the country is maintained.
All arrangements should be made to conduct the next parliamentary election participatory, fair, peaceful, and free at any cost. The whole world is watching this election. It is also important to take a credibly tough stance against corruption and money laundering. Awami League, which has come to power for the fourth time after being in power for three terms, has to face the upcoming challenges. The twelfth parliamentary election will be held as per the schedule announced by the Election Commission.
Many people raised questions about the 2018 parliamentary elections and in the past years, the Awami League government had to face questions in many parts of the world, including the opposition parties in the country. Everyone thought that the election was fair, but Awami League would have won the 2018 election with huge votes. But this criticism should come out this time. Many mentioned the election of city corporations of Gazipur and Rangpur. These are local elections, there are many issues in local elections, and there is no chance to match it with national elections.
Sheikh Hasina is moving forward on the path of fulfilling the incomplete dream as Bangabandhu took forward a war-torn country. Under Sheikh Hasina’s dynamic leadership and long-term planning, achieving MDGs, implementing SDGs, launching Padma Bridge and Metrorail, education, health, gender equality, agriculture, reducing poverty line, increasing life expectancy, export-oriented industrialization, 100 special economic zones, garment industry, pharmaceutical industry, export earnings Various economic indicators have increased with growth.
During the tenure of this government, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has done various development activities for the country in the last 15 years. As a result, his popularity increased during this time, as seen in a recent survey by the International Republican Institute (IRI). A significant portion of the adult population of Bangladesh thinks that Sheikh Hasina is doing her job well. At the same time, 70 percent of people support her leadership. However, only 44 percent of people in the country think that the country is moving in the right direction.
On the contrary, 53 percent of people think that the country is going in the wrong direction. In this IRI survey, 5,000 people between 18 and 56 years of age were selected as a sample. Among these 5 thousand people, 2 thousand 633 men and 2 thousand 367 women. In terms of region, among the participants, 3,450 people are from rural areas and the remaining 1,550 are urban residents. People are interested in voting in the upcoming national parliament elections if the elections are transparent and impartial. 92 percent of respondents said they intend to vote in the next national election.
However, 57 percent of respondents said they were “very likely” to vote. Those who do not want to vote mainly cite electoral fraud and voter registration issues as the main barriers to voting.Sheikh Hasina has made the country a role model for development and has taken it to the ranks of developing countries. If he or his party is in power, Bangladesh will become Smart Bangladesh in 2041. There is no alternative to Sheikh Hasina in leading the country. There may be people’s dissatisfaction with the work of many of her party and others in the government under her leadership, but it is completely different in the case of Sheikh Hasina.
Some negative activities in the country and abroad around the upcoming elections have come to the fore at this time. Domestic and foreign conspire circles have played a negative role in Bangladesh elections. Like other countries in the world, the economy of Bangladesh is going through a tough time right now. Various external factors like the Ukraine war are mainly responsible for this. Some of the country’s corrupt businessmen and underworld have a role in this.
The country’s banking sector is already in a crisis. This circle is also responsible for the unbridled price hike of daily necessities. Sheikh Hasina is the leader of the nation. People’s support for her is unwavering. There is public dissatisfaction with the work of many in the public mind. People are worried about corruption. Unemployment and commodity prices should be reined in. If all of Sheikh Hasina’s colleagues work in proper coordination with her, and walk the path with the same attitude, then these negative aspects that emerged in the survey can be overcome.
However, the ruling party Awami League has decided not to nominate many of the leaders who are controversial and unpopular. The people see this as a good initiative. It has been decided not to nominate several top party leaders and members of parliament as party candidates in the upcoming national parliament elections. Several MPs and leaders have already been delisted as part of this process.
In the 11th National Parliament, all the leaders of the ruling party, Awami League, broke party discipline, created their own circle, weakened the organization in the area, women scandals, family disputes, loss of social dignity, videos and audio recordings of conversations were spread on social media. Awami League can be considered ineligible for nomination in the election. The next election is very challenging. In this election, we have to show development to the people to win the vote. That’s why everyone should be united. In the next election, not controversial, honest, educated, talented, self-sacrificing, tested, and acceptable party nominations should be given.
Like her father, Sheikh Hasina is a firm believer in democracy. She was at the forefront of the movement to establish voting rights in this country. She also feels the pain of the poor people of the country most deeply. She is also focused on managing the country’s economy.
Despite the global challenges, the current per capita income of Bangladesh is 2765 US dollars. Facing the challenge of maintaining political stability in Bangladesh during the global crisis and managing the country very well. The elevated expressway is under construction and will be partially inaugurated next month. Bangabandhu Tunnel under the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram is awaiting its inauguration.
Bangladesh has announced its position in space as well. The Bangabandhu satellite launch added a new dimension to our science and technology. The inauguration of Metrorail and Padma Bridge are both development milestones. Successfully tackled the Corona pandemic, first in South Asia and 5th in the world. Education, communication infrastructure, gas, electricity, women’s education, health care, achieving self-sufficiency in food production, disadvantaged communities under social programs, helpless, elderly, widows, persons with disabilities, divorced and tortured women by husband and family members, autism, poor freedom fighters are noteworthy.
A total of 5 lakh 55 thousand 617 families have been given addresses till August through the Ashrayan project. Where 27 lac 78 thousand 85 people have been rehabilitated and the families have been brought under the VGF program for three months. The government has played a major role in the overall development of various sectors, including the One House One Farm project, and women’s empowerment. Almost 100% electrification, bringing in a record amount of remittances to the country, reduction in the poverty rate from 40 to 18. Raising the literacy rate to 75.6 percent, delivering free new books to students on the first day of the year, mainstreaming and recognizing madrasa education, establishing medical universities and modernizing the medical system. This development work should be presented to the people.
The government is working to successfully implement four foundations to build a smart Bangladesh. These are Smart Citizen, Smart Economy, Smart Government and Smart Society. Apart from this, the plan of how the delta will be in the year 2100 has been undertaken. All work in Smart Bangladesh will be done through technology. Where every citizen will be proficient in using technology. Smart Bangladesh of 2041 will be a cost-effective, sustainable, intellectual, knowledge-based and innovative Bangladesh. Smart healthcare, smart transportation, smart utilities, urban administration, public safety, agriculture, internet connectivity and disaster management will be ensured for the implementation of smart cities and smart villages.
The way Sheikh Hasina has been leading the country for the last 15 years as the Prime Minister and one of the reasons why Bangladesh has not fallen into any major economic crisis like other countries in the current global economic crisis is that she has been able to take the economic base of the country in a strong position during this time. Otherwise, it would have been very difficult to save the country of 17 crore people from disaster even during this crisis.
Awami League as a political party has been able to give Bangladesh a lot of freedom, development, self-esteem and glorious pride. But now many complain that after involvement with the party, they did not get the taste of party power despite Awami League being in power. Similarly, many people suddenly come and fly and sit across and enjoy a full taste of the power. Now many people complain or complain that former bureaucrats, businessmen and hybrids are winners.
Complaints are still found that when the party comes to power, the party does not take care of the sad workers during the great calamity. Ministers and MPs don’t know them anymore. Do not want to crowd to common people. Stay away from any party benefits, they do not even have a political evaluation.
Thousands of leaders and workers in Awami League politics are full of pride. However, in a large group, there can be many people including bureaucrats of different levels, businessmen and various professionals. Everyone’s aim is the welfare of the country. Everyone has to work together.
Awami League stands by the people in any calamity. This is Awami League and this is the teaching of Awami League. The history of Awami League is like the history of struggle, and at the same time, Awami League can improve or move a country forward, as Bangladesh is moving forward now. No matter how evil forces conspire against Bangladesh, no one can stand in the way of Bengali progress.
The people of Bangladesh will never bow down to any foreign pressure. Sheikh Hasina mentioned that no matter how much domestic and foreign pressure comes, Bengalis will never bow down to that pressure. We must always remember; this country is ours. We will not let anyone play with the fate of the people of this country. Due to the support of the people, the country’s progress has been made possible by the relentless efforts of the government and Bangladesh has become a role model for development. Bangladesh will move forward as a role model. When the country is moving forward with the relentless efforts of the Awami League government, the allies of the defeated forces of the liberation war are trying to create instability and anarchy.
We have attained victory after a bloody liberation war. We are a winning nation. As a victorious nation, we can stand tall in the court of the world. We will not bow down to anyone; we will not walk by bowing down to anyone. Bangabandhu repeatedly said that by using that wealth, we will be glorified in our own glory in the World Assembly, we will build ourselves and we will walk with our heads high to the whole world. This will be the most important step for the people of this country. This is how our beloved motherland Bangladesh built by Bangabandhu will move forward.
With the help of information technology, young people are building small and big IT firms, e-commerce sites, app-based services and other organizations. Besides, some major achievements including Bangladesh’s first satellite in space have taken Bangladesh to a unique height in the eyes of the world. Bangabandhu’s Golden Bengal is no longer a dream but now a visible reality. Only Awami League takes this country forward and Bangladesh will move forward under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina. The continuation of the government is required for continuing the progress of the country.
The writer is a, columnist and a research fellow