The nation goes to the polls today to elect the 12th parliament in the history of Bangladesh. Today’s election is therefore another significant step in the furtherance of democracy. It is a sign that the people of Bangladesh, who have historically been adherents of democracy, have sustained the belief that national development is only possible when democratic governance is the norm. In these past many years, especially over the last fifteen years, democracy has taken Bangladesh to remarkable heights in terms of both the economy and political consolidation.

Today, we are a nation poised to graduate from LDC status to a middle-income position. We have witnessed gigantic steps that have enhanced our economic position. Infrastructural development, together with policies in areas such as agriculture, industrialisation, education, diplomacy, etc, has raised our profile before the rest of the world. As we cast our votes today, we express the hope that the election 

results will not only sustain this momentum but also signify a consolidation of democratic values within the country. Today’s election should underscore the message that Bangladesh is a stronghold where democracy and good governance are paramount.

Let there be peace today as citizens make their way to the polling stations to cast their ballots freely and without any interference from any quarter. Ours is a nation which has always struggled to defend democracy and live up to its principles. Today, these principles face another test as citizens across the nation cast their votes for a new parliament.
We realise, of course, that there are political parties which have not only boycotted the election but have also been distributing leaflets asking people to stay away from voting. That is unfortunate, for we do not expect political parties, for all the grievances they may have, to demand that citizens not vote. Such actions go against democracy and the constitution.

We believe the Election Commission, which has been putting in much hard work in preparation for the election, will be firm in ensuring that the voting goes on without interruption and disturbance across the country. The armed forces, police, RAB, and Ansar have all been deployed to thwart any attempt to foil the election. We are confident they will make sure that the voting goes on in a peaceful manner and that the elements that try to cause violence or indulge in any other form of negative action will be firmly tackled.

Democracy is of critical importance for Bangladesh because it is the basis on which the country was founded in 1971. We have had interruptions to the democratic process, which interruptions are now a thing of the past. Today’s exercise of the vote will be a further sign of the strengthening of democracy in Bangladesh. The nation looks forward to the next five years with much expectation because it believes that innovation and progress are only possible when democracy defines a country’s political system.
May today’s voting proceed smoothly, allowing citizens to freely choose their government! Let the new parliament host a robust and articulate opposition. May this election be a victory not just for political entities but for the entire nation!