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Victory for democracy: Bangladesh General

DHAKA: The head of Bangladesh’s military-backed caretaker government, Fakhruddin Ahmed, who led the country for the last two years, on Monday termed the parliamentary election “most peaceful, free and fair” describing the turn out of voters as “heavy”. He told journalists after casting his vote, “We worked hard for such a laudable election . I do hope, this successful election will install a government which will strengthen democracy.” He urged all parties to “gracefully accept” the results.

Chief Election Commissioner ATM Shamsul Huda, who visited many parts of the country, expressed happiness over the peaceful election. “This is going to be a historic election,” he said. He hoped for 70-75 per cent voter turnout for the ninth parliamentary polls, as he accompanied his wife to vote on Monday.

“I can feel a festive mood in the voters crowding in the city’s polling centres and the tens of thousands heading for home constituencies braving the cold,” he said.

General Moeen U Ahmed, chief of army staff who cast his vote in a Dhaka cantonment centre, observed those who would emerge victorious should take the opposition into confidence in running the government. “We have received not a single complain against the Army personnel in influencing the election. Let’s not divide the nation further.”

The Chief of Army Staff also said democracy would emerge as the victor. “Through this election, the people will emerge victorious. They have been waiting for the last two years for democracy’s comeback.”

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