No Possibility of Sheikh Hasina Returning Even in the Next 10 Years: Speaker Hafiz Uddin
Commenting on the possibility of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina returning to the country, National Parliament Speaker Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has said, 'From my political experience, I believe there is no possibility of Sheikh Hasina returning even in the next 10 years.'
He made the remark on Thursday morning, October 22, in response to a journalist's question at the Bhola Circuit House. During his Bhola visit, he also spoke to reporters about reform of the electoral system and local people's demand for gas, among other issues.
The Speaker said, 'During its rule, the Awami League created a political environment in which it was not possible for honest, capable and neutral people in society to take part in elections. A radical reform of the country's electoral system is needed to get out of this situation.'
In his view, a person may not be wealthy or rich, yet can still enjoy popularity and acceptance in society. Such people, too, must be given the opportunity to take part in elections.
For that, the Election Commission must determine an effective method so that ordinary people can easily participate in elections, the Speaker said. In other words, the core of his proposal is to reduce the influence of money and keep the path of competition open for ordinary, popular people.
On the upcoming local government elections, the Speaker said, 'It is extremely important that the elections are free, fair and neutral.' He noted that there had been no environment for fair elections in the country for the past 17 years.
The Speaker's remarks carry significance with the local government elections ahead. His words point to the challenge of restoring an electoral environment and rebuilding public trust in voting.
He also spoke about the prospects for natural gas in Bhola and local people's demand for a gas supply. The Speaker said, 'Bhola has sufficient reserves of natural gas. Compared with the country's current gas reserves, Bhola is believed to hold a significant amount of gas. There is a possibility of more gas reserves in this district.'
'The ordinary people of Bhola need gas. The people of Bhola have been making this demand for a long time. It is their fair right,' he said.
He said he would speak to the energy minister about the matter. He also emphasised effective initiatives for Bhola's development, reform of the electoral system, and resolving local people's long-standing gas crisis.
A day earlier, on Wednesday, the Speaker had also made strong comments about elections and leadership at a reception in Tajumuddin, Bhola, during the same visit. Across two consecutive days of remarks, the demand for electoral reform has remained at the centre of his discussion.
Taken together, three messages were clear in the Speaker's remarks at the Bhola Circuit House — his own political assessment of Sheikh Hasina's return, an insistence on radical reform of the electoral system, and support for the Bhola people's demand for gas. His comments may fuel further discussion in political circles.
