Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said she is not afraid of facing defeat in the next general election if people could freely exercise their voting rights.
Addressing high officials of the police, Hasina said, “To me democracy comes first. I am ready to accept any results, win or loss, in the next election if the people can cast their votes properly and freely.”
The function was held at the International Conference Centre of the PM Office, marking Police Week 2012.
The prime minister said the police ensured erasing the bad image of corruption, militancy and terrorism in the last three years and directed the police administration to ensure security of life and property of common people through sincerity, professionalism and efficiency.
She also asked the policemen to facilitate the opposition party in observing their peaceful democratic programs, but strictly curb their “destructive” activities.
The opposition's programs like road march are fine and the police have to help them holding such kind of activities, she said.
“Opposition parties have their democratic rights; they can observe any peaceful demonstration. But don't allow them to indulge in destructive activities. The destructive activities of the opposition parties like December 18 must not be allowed.”
Hasina said to raise the living standard of the people, employment generation is a must, and for the creation of employment opportunity, a congenial atmosphere to attract local and foreign investment must be ensured.
She also thanked the police force for ensuring law and order favourable to economic growth and redeeming the country from image crisis through their outstanding jobs against terrorists and militants.
Brushing aside the allegation of weak governance, Hasina questioned how the government became weak when it has implemented 93 percent of the annual development programs.
The prime minister mentioned that the global community now considers Bangladesh as a model of development instead of a land of militants.
In this connection, Hasina mentioned that UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen in their recent visits highly appreciated Bangladesh for its remarkable advancements.
Responding to various demands, the prime minister said the government is actively considering to enhance “risk allowance” of police.
Referring to the up-gradation of the status of the officer-in-charge to a first class officer and sub-inspectors to second class officer, she asked the police officials to uphold the dignity of the police force.
Inspector General of Police Hassan Mahmood Khandker gave the welcome address while Additional IGP Shahudul Haque gave the vote of thanks. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Benazir Ahmed, DIG of Dhaka Range Asaduzzman Mia and Police Super Quamrul Hasan also spoke on the occasion.
Home Minister Shahara Khatun, State Minister for Home Affairs Shamsul Hoque Tuku and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Sheikh M Wahid Uz Zaman were, among others, present.
