Uphold the democracy by voting Nouka

You know the polls to the 10th Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament) will be held on January 5. Against the backdrop of the polls, I appear before you today.

In the polls of December 29 in 2008, you had voted Bangladesh Awami League and the Grand Alliance to power. We got the opportunity to serve the country.

Dear countrymen,

Your elected government has honoured its commitments. In some cases, we worked more than our commitments to you.

We achieved 10,000 megawatts of electricity generation capacity in 2013. We reached internet facilities up to village level. We distributed a total of 121,38,71,172 (121 crore 38 lakh 71 thousand 172) textbooks among the students for free over the past five years. The per capita income has now risen to 1,044 dollars. The rate of poverty dropped below 26 percent from 41.5 percent. We enhanced the salaries of government officers- employees by 60 to 70 percent. Twenty (20) percent dearness allowance has been allocated. We have fixed the minimum monthly salary of workers at Taka 4,175. The minimum monthly salary of garment workers has been risen to Taka 5,300.

We have fixed the retirement age of government officers- employees at 59 years while that of the freedom fighters (officer-employees) at 60 years. The posts in different tiers of the state and the government including administration, armed forces, police, Ansar, BGB, teachers, engineers, nurses and
others has been restructured and their status upgraded. The maternity leave has been enhanced to six months from four months.
We have created employment opportunities for one crore people over the past five years. We have also created overseas employment for 25 lakh people. We have established the Probasi Kalyan Bank (Expatriate Welfare Bank).

A total of 16 lakh farmers have been supplied with fertiliser free of cost. We have created a scope for farmers to open bank account with Taka 10 only. We have set up a total of 16,299 community clinics, union health and family welfare centres. The life expectancy has now risen to 69 years. The mortality rate for mothers and children has declined. We have enacted law for prevention of adulteration of foods with its strict execution.

The literacy rate has increased to 71 percent. We have nationalized 26 thousand 200 primary schools. The jobs of 1 lakh 20 thousand teachers have been nationalized and 56 thousand teachers appointed. Our government has established 6 new universities. Seventy-eight lakh students at the primary level
and 40 lakh students at the secondary level are getting stipends. Up to the degree level, 11 lakh 33 thousand students are also getting stipends.

I had pledged to present the people with a digital Bangladesh. Four thousand 516 union information and service centers have been set up. E-service centers have been introduced in all districts. We have introduced mobile banking, mobile health services, e-commerce. Three crore 86 lakh people are now
using internet. Eleven crore mobile SIMs are in use in Bangladesh.

We have won the sea in international marine court. We have carried out extensive development of communication infrastructures, including bridges, culverts, roads and highways.

Trial of the war criminals has started as per our election pledge. Trials of 10 war criminals have been completed. Verdicts are also being executed by the grace of Allah.

We have been able to set the country on a strong footing politically, socially and economically with your cooperation, support and doa. For this, I express my gratitude to you.

Dear Countrymen,

The cardinal condition of democracy is people's empowerment. Today, a condition has been created to form a government of your choice. This right was robbed after the killing of father of the
nation Bangabandhu along with his family members on August 15 in '75. The election system has been made questionable through rigging, grabbing and use of money and muscle power in last 38
years.

To stop forever this unhealthy trend of unconstitutional power grabbing and playing with the rights of the people, the Jatiya Sangsad has made a permanent election process in line with other countries of parliamentary democracy in the world. Election will be held under an independent and strong Election Commission, not under any unelected persons.

You have seen, we have made all-out efforts to bring the BNP in polls. Since 2010, I have been urging the BNP chief again and again to come to the path of peaceful agreement through talks. I was ready to offer any ministry, including home, in the election- time all-party government. I myself had phoned the opposition leader inviting her for a dialogue. She has opted for the path of conflict rejecting the invitation for talks. She has issued ultimatums to me again and again.

According to her proposal, general secretary of our party held a series of meetings with the acting secretary general of BNP. We hoped that the main opposition would take part in the polls keeping confidence on the people. But, despite our cordial efforts, the BNP did not take part in the polls.

Not only that they have been creating anarchy and sabotages keeping people hostage in the name of hartal and blockade. They set ablaze Baitul Mukarram Mosque. Set the holy Quran on fire.
They killed general people by throwing crackers and petrol bombs. Many police and BGB personnel fall victims of their killing missions. They launched attacks on the houses of Awami League leaders and activists and the minority communities and looted their valuables. They had tried to deprive people from their voting rights by cutting roads and highways, falling trees on the roads.

As an elected government we have taken oath to uphold democracy. So, the next election would be held on January 5 in line with the constitution.

Dear Voters,

The objective of the Awami League is to ensure socio- economic emancipation of the people and building a developed and prosperous Sonar Bangla free from poverty, hunger and illiteracy.
Keeping ahead our goals, we had announced the Vision-2021 before the last general election. In continuation with that we have announced our election manifesto. We want to carry forward our country to the cherished goal by formulating a long term development strategy and implementing those.

Our aim is to advance Bangladesh to a mid-income country by 2021 where the per capita average income of people will reach 1500 US Dollars from the existing 1044 US Dollars. The progress rate would be brought up to 10 percent from the present 6.2 percent when the poverty rate would be lowered at 13 percent from the existing 26 percent.

Dear Countrymen,

This year, we want to give priority to establish good governance, giving democracy a firm footings and decentralization of power. We want to establish peace and tranquility in state and social lives by removing militancy, terrorism and communalism from society and also ensuring safety and security in civic live and their basic rights.

Our objective is to give our democratic institution on a firm footing to ensure good governance. Transparency and accountability of our parliament members inside and outside the Jatiya Sangsad have to be ensured.

The dignity and independence of judiciary has to be protected. The process of rule of law, establishing human rights and proper application of have to be expedited.

Power would be decentralised aiming for more involvement of people to run the state. Zila Parishad, Upazila Parishad and Union Parishad would be made more powerful and responsible. Different development agendas would be handed over to the local government. The ongoing activities of administrative reforms as well as increase of skill and facilities of government officials and employees would be continued. The e-governance, introduced by our government, would be expanded in future to the all tiers of administrations.

Power, skill and efficiency of Anti Corruption Commission would be strengthened.

Our government has strengthened the law-enforcing agencies. They have been decorated with modern equipment, and to be upgraded in a time befitting manner. The development of different facilities including increase of life standard, housing, education and medical treatment for the members of law-enforcing agencies would be continued in future.

Livelihood standard of the people of the country would be developed. Price of food along with others necessary commodities would be kept in people's purchasing capability.

Local, international and expatriates would be attracted to come up with more investment for industrialisation in the country. We will develop infrastructure related facilities along with reducing administrative complexities and time consuming tendency. Initiatives would also be taken to expand market and export volume.

Special economic zones and industrial projects would be implemented in seven divisions. In addition, facilities in the EPZs would be expanded. Food and agro processing as well as garments and textile sectors would be made more strengthen and secure. Bank loan with low interest for small, medium and cottage industries would be facilitated while women entrepreneurs would be enjoyed special loan.

Dear Countrymen,

We will ensure electricity connection at every household of the country in next five years. Power Generation would be upgraded to 16,000 MW by 2016 while the power generation target in 2021 has been upgraded to 24,000 MW. We will make the use of solar power more affordable.

We will complete the construction of 1,300 MW coal-based power plant at Rampal and 2,000 MW capacity nuclear power plant at Ruppur on the scheduled time.

Extraction and use of gas would be ensured. Endeavour of cooperation with different countries and organisations would be increased for gas exploration and extraction in shallow and deep sea blocks. Gas would be supplied to the northern and western districts.

Bangladesh\'s successes have been acclaimed internationally in achieving United Nation\'s Millennium Development Goal (MDGs) by building a humanitarian society through alleviating poverty.

We have strengthened the sustainable security net undertaken for the rural ultra poor. To ensure food security, we would continue all programmes including serving foods at free of cost among ultra poor and destitute, relief and food for work, allowances for elderly people, handicapped and widowed, women abandoned by husband and destitute.

The programmes undertaken during the Awami League government- one farm one house, asrayan, housing, adarsha gram, cluster village, home return -would continue. The decision for setting up of the Rural Saving Bank would be implemented.

Pension scheme would start for low-income groups of people. Programmes to facilitate public transports and hospitals services to senior citizens should be implemented.

Vocational and technical education system would be restructured for human resources development. \'National Service\' programme would be expanded to all districts in phases.

Dear brother and sister,

You know, the Awami League government has turned Bangladesh into a country of surplus food from a food deficit country. As a sequel to this continuation, providing subsidies to fertilizer, seeds, and all agricultural inputs and agriculture loan, and agri-loan for share-croppers through Krishi Bank without any collaterals would continue to turn Bangladesh into a exporting country. Fair prices for agricultural products would be ensured.

Highest priority would be given to agricultural research. Initiatives have already taken to invent genome sequencing of all other crops like jute. Science-based land management policy would be taken. Land record would be digitalized by next five years and updated in phases. Long term plan would be taken to protect the natural environment as well as ensuring proper uses of land.

The rate of migration from rural areas to urban areas should be come down by increasing civic amenities through creating of employment opportunities in rural areas. Upazila headquarters and industrial centers would be made as modern townships.

Respected countrymen,

We should implement the education policy completely. Primary education level would go up to eight classes and eight class level education should be made mandatory and free of cost.
Distribution of scholarships programs up to graduate level from Prime Minister's Education Assistance Trust Fund has already been started. Distribution of scholarships and stipends would be continued. Women education would be expanded.

Use of information technology (IT) and multimedia will be expanded. Infrastructural facilities in the educational institutions will be increased. A separate pay commission will be formed for the teachers. We will take special measures to stop dropout of students.

Technical school will be established at every upazila and vocational training course will be introduced. Model school will be set up. Steps have been taken to make the madrasha education time-befitting. A government school and college will be established in every district.

The state and the government will encourage research in technology and science. Special distinction will be given to the scientists and researchers, age limit of their jobs, government patronization and incentives will be increased in such a way so that they can complete their research successfully.

IT education will be made mandatory at primary and secondary level education. Working on setting up high-tech park, software technology park, ICT incubator and compute village will be completed at the quickest possible time. Assistance will be continued in outsourcing and exporting software.

The speediest internet service and 3G have started across the country. 4G will also be introduced. Work on making Digital Bangladesh will be continued.

Implementation of the health policy and work plans will be continued. Seats in upazila health complexes, district hospitals and other hospitals will be increased.

Attendance of the grassroots level health workers, standard of service and availability of medicine will be ensured. Telemedicine services will be expanded. We will increase facilities to expedite education on nursing and medical technology and to impart high training.

Measures will be strengthened to ensure the supply of pure drinking water, sanitation at each home and foods free from injurious chemical and adulteration.

The works taken for the welfare of the differently able people will be expedited. Scientific plan will be adopted and executed to ensure education, nutrition, mental and physical development, employment, movement and to establish social status of autistic and other physically challenged people.

The Women Development Policy-2011 will be completely followed and implemented. Proper execution of the laws relating to prevention of violence against women, sexual assault, harassment and trafficking of women and children will be ensured.

We will ensure the opportunities of sports, entertainment and creative works for physical and mental development of children and juveniles. The United Nations Child Rights Preservation Charter will be followed and National Child Policy will be updated.

Special steps will be taken to develop interest in history and science among the children and juveniles and to ensure their joyful childhood.

Dear countrymen,

The existing roads and highways will be upgraded and repaired for smooth continuation of economic activities and movement of vehicles.

Construction works of Padma Bridge has begun with our own fund and it will be completed within the stipulated time.

Second Padma Bridge, Jamuna, Meghna and Gumti bridges will be constructed. Deep seaport will be constructed at Sonadia.

Passenger services of railways will be improved. Rail communication will be extended in the country.

Passenger carrying capacity of Bangladesh Biman will be increased. Dhaka to New York flight will be resumed this year Inshallah.

Works of re-excavation of waterways will be intensified further. Effective measures will be taken to stop accident on road, rail and waterways.

Conscious countrymen,

Drug addiction is a serious problem across the world. We have to protect the youth from drug addiction and drug trading, smuggling and its use would have to be stopped strictly.

The steps taken for preserving environment will be Continued. We will strengthen the implementation process of integrated plans for checking riverbank erosion, controlling flood, salinity intrusion and drought.

The process of fixing and re-fixing of minimum wages of workers will be continued considering living standard. Working environment and safety of workers will be ensured.

Rations for industrial workers will be introduced.

Loan fatalities will be given from Expatriate Welfare Bank on easy conditions for going aboard and employment after returning home.

The process of opening labour wing in Europe, Africa and different Asian countries will be completed soon.

Respected countrymen,

Awami League will formulate and implement a national urban policy for the country in future.

We will continue the policy of press freedom and free-flow of information. Rights to Information Act and Information Commission will be made effective further.

A policy will be formulated to ensure responsible role of online media and social media.

Newspapers will be declared as industry along with appropriate incentives. Licenses will be issued for more community radios in remote areas. The eighth wage board has been constituted to enhance salaries and allowances of journalists and newspaper workers. The security of the newsmen will be ensured while they discharge duties.

The state patronage will be enhanced for Bangla language, literature, culture, films and creative publications.

No law contradictory to the Quran and Sunnah will be enacted. A quality mosque will be built in every district and upazila. The other religious institutions will be developed. We will create social awareness to ensure coexistence of followers of all religions and harmony among them uprooting terrorism, communalism and militancy.

The spirit and glory of the Liberation War will be upheld at all levels of the state and society. The programmes and projects taken to preserve the memories of the Liberation War will be completed. The process of acknowledging and honouring the freedom fighters by the state will be continued alongside the allowances, medical facilities, subsistence for insolvent freedom fighters and quota system in education institutions and services for their children will be continued.

We have given constitutional acknowledgement to the equal rights of all religions and the small and ethnic minority groups. As a result, their lives, property, places of worship, lifestyle and cultural entity will be strongly preserved.

Dear countrymen,

The Forces Goal 2030 which the Awami League government formulated and implemented in line with the Defence Policy formulated by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1974 to enhance capability of armed forces, will be continued. The necessary military hardware and transports have been procured to strengthen further and turn the army, navy and air force into more modern and efficient forces. Their education and training has been made befitting the ages. We will continue the process.

The welfare programmes for education, treatment, accommodations and retirement facilities of the members of the armed forces will be continued. Initiatives for their enhanced participation in UN peacekeeping missions will be continued.

Highest priority will be given to quality development of players in the area of international sports.

The foreign policy of Awami League is based on the Bangabandhu's principles of "friendship to all and malice to none". Honouring the sovereignty of other countries and principle of non-interference in others' internal affairs is part of that policy.

No militant, terrorist and separatist elements will be given indulgence on the soil of Bangladesh. The mutual cooperation among the South Asian nations will be continued alongside the international teamwork to face terrorism, militancy and separatism.

Necessary steps would be taken to strengthen the existing relations with the international organizations including the UN, OIC, Commonwealth, SAARC, BIMSTEC and ASEM.

Dear Countrymen,

"We've fulfilled all of our commitments that we made in the 2008 elections with honesty and confidence.

All the successes achieved during the last five years were possible due to the support of the country's people, people's hard labour, spontaneous participation of the young generation in the nation building and their acumen.

You (the countrymen) have proved that anything noble could never be achieved without self sacrifice and sacrifice,. Today I can firmly tell that Bangladesh is now heading towards prosperity overcoming the darkness of the past..We all are voyager for the path of light

Dear Countrymen,

"I hope that you (the countrymen) will cast your votes in a festive mood on January 5 in a like you voted in fearless environment in the 5,803 local government elections and by- election to elect people's representatives for putting democracy on a strong base."

Respected Voters,

"If we can form the government with your votes, Inshallah we will be able to turn Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021 and developed nation by 2041."

Dear Countrymen - "I again welcome you (the countrymen) all. I welcome the tolerance and courageous young generation."

"I wish good to the young generation who are going to cast their votes in the polls
"Young voters, we are dedicating our present for the bright future of the young generation."

"We seek unequivocal support of the countrymen this time like the past. The symbol of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu and 'Haque-Bhashani-Suhrawardi is boat.boat is the symbol of independence and freedom. Seek votes for that boat symbol .

"Let's move towards peace, progress, prosperity, democracy in a coordinated manner forgetting our difference. Build Sonar Bangla as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu."