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No more scope for vote rigging: PM

No more scope for vote rigging: PM
National

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said there has been no scope for vote rigging in elections that took place during the ruling Awami League government since 2009.

The premier made the remarks while addressing a press conference on Monday afternoon on the outcome of her recent official tour of Qatar.

Comparing the elections held between 1975 and before the Awami League assumed power, the prime minister said, "There is now a voter list with voters' photos and transparent ballot boxes. The way BNP prepared a voter list with 1.23 crore fraud voters is not possible now."

The premier also talked in favour of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) stating that it would be good if the system could be applied. "As objections were raised from various sections against its use, we left the matter in the hands of the Election Commission."

The prime minister also reiterated her stance on the next national election being held under the Election Commission.

She said, "The Awami League government has set the Election Commission free which previously was PMO-dependent."

The conference started at 4:30pm at her official residence Ganabhaban.

PM Hasina returned home on Thursday afternoon after wrapping up her official visit to Qatar.

Earlier on March 4, Sheikh Hasina went to Doha to attend the 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5).

During her stay in Qatar, she attended the LDC5 conference, several side-line events and a civic reception.