Election an epoch-making event for democracy: Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, having a record fourth consecutive term in office, hailed her Awami League party's landslide victory in the general election as a triumph of democracy and Bangladesh's people.
She made the remark at a meeting with foreign election observers at her official residence, the Gonobhaban, a day after winning re-election in Monday's polls, boycotted by AL's archrival BNP and its allies, media reports said.
The Awami League chief extended her gratitude to the foreign journalists monitoring the vote while also acknowledging the contributions of the local media.
Reflecting on her lengthy history in electoral races, Hasina emphasised the 'unparalleled' public interest in the 12th national election.
"This was an epoch-making event for our country and our democracy. I have contested many elections since 1986 and have been elected to parliament eight times. However, we've not seen this much interest in the vote before. I think the people of Bangladesh are very happy and those who observed the election and gave their views also have our appreciation," a bdnews24 report says.
The prime minister said the goal of her next government would be to smooth the journey of Bangladesh as a developing country (from 2026), sustain electricity generation, ensure food security, nutrition security, improve connectivity further, alleviate poverty further, eradicating extreme poverty and making the country homeless-free and finally continue the progress of the country and work for building a Smart Bangladesh.
"Economic progress and ensuring a better life for the people is my main aim," she said, in reply to a question from one foreign journalist.
Hasina also highlighted the electoral reforms, including the Election Commission Act, implemented by her government to ensure fair elections and people's right to vote.
During the election, the administration and law enforcement all worked under the Election Commission to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process, she said.
A UNB story says Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said it is not up to her to pardon Nobel-laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus who has recently been sentenced to six months in jail for violation of labour law.
Replying to a question if she would consider granting pardon to Muhammad Yunus as she celebrates her election victory, the PM said she has nothing to do here as the labour court passed the judgement.
The question was asked by an Indian journalist during the post-poll courtesy meet with visiting foreign observers and media people as well as local journalists.
Hasina said Yunus violated the labour law and deprived his own employees who filed a case at the labour court. "I have nothing to do with that," she said, adding that he should seek pardon from his employees whom he deprived.
Responding to a question from a BBC journalist if she believes that Bangladesh can be considered a vibrant democracy with the absence of any opposition party, the AL chief said each and every party has the right to take their own decision.
The woman journalist also mentioned that 60 per cent of the voters did not cast their ballots in Sunday's election.
The PM answered that if a particular party doesn't participate in the election, it doesn't mean there is no democracy. "You have to consider whether people participated or not.
"The party didn't participate in the election and they tried to prevent people from casting vote. But the people didn't listen to them," she said to applause by some in the audience.
Noting that she doesn't know if there is any other definition of democracy, she said the participation of the people is the main thing here.
Coming down heavily on BNP for unleashing violence and arson violence, Hasina threw a counter-question to the journalist as to how she defines a democratic party. "They are a terrorist party," she said.
Answering a question regarding her foreign policy, the premier said Bangladesh has a good relationship with every country as the motto of its foreign policy is 'Friendship to all and malice towards none.'
Describing India as a great friend of Bangladesh, she appreciated that Bangladesh has a wonderful relationship with neighbours.
In reply to another question she said she does not want to be likened to the great women leaders like Indira Gandhi, Golda Meir, Margaret Thatcher and Srimavo Bandarnaike. "There were great ladies," she said, adding: "I'm a simple person."
She said she does not consider herself as a woman or man when she works for the people of Bangladesh.
In reply to a question she said: "Our relationship is wonderful with every country, even with the United States of America. So, from our part there is no problem. We've a good relationship. Now it depends on you and your government." The question was from an US citizen who arrived to observe the January 7 general election.