CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PEOPLE OF BANGLADESH - BANGLADESH TO SEE THE CHANGE

Bangladesh has elected Awami League-led grand alliance with the biggest parliamentary majority since 1973, following Monday's general elections designed to bring an end to two years of military-backed rule.

The stunning landslide victory in an environment of free and fair elections clearly showed the people's verdict for a change. The election verdict was a total rejection of the politics of religion, of extremism, of militancy.

Bangladesh Awami League, which led Bangladesh to independence in 1971 practically demolished its rivals, the centre-right Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its Islamist ally the Jamaat-e-Islami. All top leaders of the Jamaat lost their seats.

The historic victory is at once a challenge and an opportunity for Sheikh Hasina, an opportunity for her to disprove the common complaint that “ winners take it all.” It is also an opportunity for her to redeem her election pledge that inspired the people across the country. The eyes of the whole nation are focussed on her: how she leads the country for the next five years and how she delivers on her promise. The people have put their trust in her and they are confident she will not fail them.
I congratulate Bangladeshi People, Sheikh Hasina, all members of her team and all others who have won the election. Hope: change will come.