Dhaka – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reaffirmed that the 15th Amendment to the Constitution has played a pivotal role in strengthening democracy in Bangladesh by preventing unconstitutional seizures of state power. She made these remarks while administering the oath of office to the newly elected Mayor of Rangpur City Corporation (RpCC) and its ward councillors, including those representing reserved seats for women, at her office.
“The stability prevailing in the country today is a direct result of the 15th Amendment and the continued democratic process. This amendment has ensured that no unelected entity can illegally capture state power,” the Prime Minister stated.
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Constitutional Safeguard Against Martial Law
Sheikh Hasina emphasised that the Supreme Court had ruled that any attempt to seize state power through martial law, in violation of the Constitution, is illegal. This landmark verdict reinforced the democratic rights of the people of Bangladesh, ensuring free and fair elections.
“By incorporating this amendment, we have fortified our democracy, empowering the people to decide who governs them,” she added.
However, she noted that certain self-proclaimed intellectuals who have never gained power through popular vote are displeased with this amendment. “These individuals, who fear facing the electorate, continuously attempt to disrupt the democratic process,” she remarked.
Commitment to Transparent Elections
The Prime Minister highlighted her party’s role in introducing transparent ballot boxes and voter lists with photographs to ensure credible elections. She criticised the opposition, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), for allegedly preparing a voter list containing 1.23 million fraudulent entries in an attempt to manipulate elections.
She further elaborated that the Election Commission (EC) has been restructured under her administration through a law-backed search committee, making it more transparent and accountable. “The EC has also been granted complete financial independence, ensuring free and fair elections,” she asserted.
Development and Eradication of Monga
Shifting focus to regional development, Sheikh Hasina underscored her government’s relentless efforts to eradicate Monga (seasonal famine) from northern Bangladesh. She stated that due to sustained economic policies over the past 14 years, food shortages have been effectively eliminated in the region.
Additionally, she reiterated her commitment to the Ashrayan Project, which provides homes to landless and homeless individuals free of charge. “Following in the footsteps of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, we are ensuring that no citizen remains without shelter in ‘Mujib’s Bangla’,” she declared.
As part of this initiative, an additional 40,000 houses are being constructed, and she expressed hope that homelessness would soon be eradicated.
Transforming the Nation’s Infrastructure
Sheikh Hasina also detailed the government’s extensive efforts to modernise Bangladesh’s infrastructure, facilitating economic growth.
Key Projects Include:
| Infrastructure Project | Status |
|---|---|
| Padma Bridge | Completed |
| Bangabandhu Bridge | Completed |
| Teesta Bridge | Completed |
| Gangachara Bridge | Completed |
She stated that these infrastructural advancements have significantly improved the country’s communication network, allowing goods produced in the southern and northern regions to be transported nationwide in record time.
Vision for Smart Bangladesh
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister reaffirmed her commitment to transforming Bangladesh into a developed, prosperous, and technologically advanced nation by 2041. “Our journey towards ‘Smart Bangladesh’ is well underway, leveraging the progress made under ‘Digital Bangladesh’,” she said.
She urged the newly elected Mayor and councillors of RpCC to dedicate themselves to serving the people, transcending political affiliations. “Despite the Mayor belonging to another party, our government remains committed to the development of Rangpur, just as we have done for all other cities. Our focus is, and always will be, the welfare of the people,” she concluded.