Only polls can allay crisis, must be held on Dec 18: Hasina

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An angry mob Tuesday set afire the garage of Monir Hossain, chairman of Sultanganj UP at Kamrangirchar beside the Buriganga burning a jeep (inset), after he had opened fire on a protesting crowd. ( Story on page-1) — FE photos

Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, on her return to Dhaka, has said only an elected government can rescue the country from crisis, and the national election must go ahead as scheduled on Dec 18, report UNB and bdnews24.com.
"The election should be held on the declared date. It cannot be foiled or deferred by any conspiracy," Hasina told a press conference at Zia International Airport's VIP lounge.
"We don't want politics that is full of violence. We don't believe in that kind of politics. We want peace. We want to remain united. We want to give people their confidence back," said the former prime minister.
"None but an elected government can rescue the country from the present crises. People are passing their days in hardship. They do not have any work to support themselves. They are frustrated because of their sufferings." Hasina asked all to have patience "during the country's hard times."
On the possibility of the two leaders meeting across the table for a 'qualitative change in politics', Hasina said: "We will do all possible things to save people from hard times."
When asked about her reaction on parties threatening to boycott elections, the AL chief said: "If people are able to cast their ballots properly, it will not matter which party participates in the election or not."
On the AL's reconstitution of an electoral 'grand alliance', she said: "The grand alliance will be formed. Enemies of the people, country and its independence will not be included in such an alliance."
The AL had earlier said that it would ratify all positive reforms of the present caretaker government. Asked about the party's present stance on this, she said: "The issue will have to be settled in the parliament. Such ordinances must be transformed into law first. The public representatives will decide on that."
The AL chief was hopeful that her party would win the election. "If Awami League comes to the power, prices of all essentials will be cut down to within the purchase power of ordinary people," she said.
She termed poverty the great enemy. "We have to alleviate poverty. All of us will have to work jointly to save people from that curse."
Earlier, Hasina reached her Sudha Sadan residence Thursday noon, on her return to Bangladesh for the upcoming elections, following five months abroad in Europe and America.
Hasina landed in Dhaka Thursday morning, to be greeted by tens of thousands of supporters lining the streets from the airport to her home.
The Awami League (AL) chief, flying in from London, touched down at Zia International Airport (ZIA) at 9:05am amid two-tier security at the airport. She set off from the airport, after formalities were complete, around 10am on the way home via Bangabandhu Bhaban at Dhanmondi Road 32.
AL was ready with a huge show of support for its president. The party had been planning the grand reception for days, ensuring AL supporters were gathered on Hasina's route from ZIA back to her Sudha Sadan residence.
Reports from spots ranging from Tongi to Manik Mia Avenue reported AL processions brought traffic to a standstill Thursday morning. Thousands of office-goers and other ordinary people were stranded without transport, having to walk many kilometres to places of work and other destinations in the morning, along the route fixed for Hasina, and the connecting arteries.
AL meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday finalised eight spots, stretching from ZIA to Sudha Sadan, for supporters to gather amid tight security. Former prime ministers - Hasina and her rival Khaleda Zia - have been provided with SSF security since the announcement of the election schedule.
The AL chief arrived in London on Tuesday morning local time, flying in from the US en route to Bangladesh. Hasina brought her return date forward by four days, to Nov 6 instead of Nov 10, following the Election Commission's announcement of the parliamentary polls schedule.
Hasina, facing five graft cases, flew to the United States on June 12 to seek treatment, a day after the government allowed her temporary release from special jail on medical grounds.
During her stay in the US, the former prime minister twice met US assistant secretary of state for south and central Asian affairs Richard Boucher.