CT Online Desk:

Awami League (AL) President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today urged the people to vote for her party's election symbol "boat" to build "smart Bangladesh" as she kicked off formal election campaign of the AL for the 12th national parliamentary election slated for January 7.

"Smart Bangladesh means Smart Government, Smart People, Smart Economy and Smart Society... with these, we will make Bangladesh a modern technology-based Bangladesh that would include sustainable economy, merit-based education, advanced society, righteous Bangladesh and transparent Bangladesh," she said.

The premier said these while addressing a mammoth rally at Sylhet Government Alia Madrasa Ground organised by local Awami League. The Awami League president urged all to cast their votes for her party nominated candidates to make them victorious just to serve the common people. "Will you cast your votes for them? Please raise your hands and promise to me," she said.

Sheikh Hasina launched the election campaign from Sylhet-1 constituency following the tradition and offering Ziarat at shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA) here. Bangabandhu's younger daughter and the premier's younger sister Sheikh Rehana accompanied her during the Ziarat and she was also present on the dais in rally. 

DCT/OL/AH/END