Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is speaking against the country while sitting in Delhi, conspiring, and holding press conferences—this will have no effect, commented former Justice of the Appellate Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court, Md. Abdul Matin.
He made these remarks on Sunday (January 25) at a mock parliament organized by Debate for Democracy at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation, titled "The Role of the Election Commission is Primary in Ensuring Fair Upcoming Referendum and Parliamentary Election."
Justice M A Matin said, "If she (Sheikh Hasina) is so powerful, why did she flee? She had to flee because the people did not want her. In her tenure, elections were a farce; there were no real elections, which is why the revolution happened."
Abdul Matin stated that despite the bloodshed and loss of countless lives, there is no remorse within the Awami League. "The bloodstains have not yet dried. The Awami League must understand why they cannot participate in the election. However, as citizens, supporters of the Awami League will be able to vote. If the Awami League seeks forgiveness from the people for their misdeeds and shows genuine repentance, they may be forgiven."
The former judge added, "A neighboring country had claimed that no government could sit or function in this country. They had vowed not to let the people of this country live in peace. Their hopes have turned into despair. No pressure from them has worked. If the 'Yes' vote fails in the referendum, the long-cherished aspirations of the people will be dashed. There is no fear of the election being disrupted. If the people remain vigilant, no obstacle or conspiracy will succeed in sabotaging the election."
The event was presided over by Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, Chairman of Debate for Democracy.
In his presidential address, Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said that the people of the country want elections. The general public is waiting for a fair election. There is no alternative to elections for restoring democracy. The party that cannot participate in the election is trying to disrupt and discredit it. The ousted Prime Minister, sentenced to death for the alleged murder of 1,400 people, is conducting various propaganda against the country while staying in a neighboring country. In a recent audio speech, she falsely claimed that she was ousted through a planned conspiracy, which is completely unacceptable. Therefore, parties like BNP, Jamaat, NCPC, and other participating parties and candidates should avoid any actions that could allow fallen forces to attempt to sabotage the election. The past three elections were highly controversial, marked by the theft of democracy and the looting of voting rights. They were elections that snatched away the people's power. If this election is fair and acceptable, the nation will be freed from the stigma of tainted elections. People's rule will return. A discrimination-free and harmonious state will be built. Social justice will be established. Good governance and accountability will return. As election day approaches, the misuse of AI to spread rumors and fake videos is rapidly increasing, which could mislead voters.
In the mock parliament on "The Role of the Election Commission is Primary in Ensuring Fair Upcoming Referendum and Parliamentary Election," debaters from State University of Bangladesh defeated those from Tejgaon College and emerged victorious. The judges were Professor Abu Mohammad Rois, senior journalist Mainul Alam, journalist Moshiur Rahman Khan, journalist Afrin Jahan, and journalist Zakir Hossain Liton. After the competition, trophies, crests, and certificates were awarded to the participating teams.
