FROM JATIYA SANGSAD: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said President M Abdul Hamid permitted her to continue the polls-time interim government to oversee the 10th parliamentary elections.

“I have met the President and informed all the matters over polls-time cabinet and he (President) has given permission to run the polls-time government,” she said.  

The premier, also ruling Awami League president, in her concluding speech, came up with the disclosure while addressing the Parliament, in the evening.

Sheikh Hasina said, “The country is taking preparations to hold the next general elections. I met with the President and informed him about the election process and polls-time government. He has permitted me to continue the government.”

The Leader of the House also said, “We have established democracy in the country through struggle and lot of sacrifices.”

She further told the House: “The constitution was amended so that general elections can be held in a democratic manner gradually and people can enjoy their democratic rights. The elections will be held according to the amended constitution.”

Sheikh Hasina also reiterated the next general elections would held even keeping the present parliament.

The premier also said: “The interim government will act as they act in other democratic countries of the world during the general elections.”

She further said that they want to ensure that no undemocratic power can seize the power.

Sheikh Hasina also said that the Election Commission (EC) is very strong now.

She added that there were 5,828 elections held during the tenure of Awami League government and no one including the opposition complained about rigging.

Sheikh Hasina added: “We want to hold elections in a democratic manner and this is why I requested the opposition to give a list of names for cabinet members.”

She informed the House that portfolio will be distributed and gazette of the polls-time interim government ministry would be issued on Thursday.

She added that the polls-time government cannot take any policy decisions and the cabinet members those who would participate in the polls cannot take any privilege from the government.

BDST: 2120 HRS, NOV 20, 2013
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