Asserting that next general election must be held in a free, fair and impartial manner in the country and on time, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said none will be allowed to play ducks and drakes with the voting rights of the people, reports BSS. “The next general election must be held in a free, fair and neutral manner ... none will be allowed to play ducks and drakes with the voting rights of the people and we won’t let it happen,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina, also the Awami League president, was addressing a meeting of the Awami League Central Working Committee (ALCWC) at her official Ganabhaban residence here this evening.

The prime minister said the Election Commission will hold the next polls in completely independent manner. “We will ensure,” she said.

She added that there is no scope for unnecessary polluting the water about the polls and thinking about doing other things by violating the constitution.

While talking about the BNP’s demand for holding a free and fair election in the country, Sheikh Hasina said the BNP should look their face in the mirror as the party had first staged farcical elections.

“I’m wondered and laugh when the BNP talks and raises various allegations about the free and fair elections in the country ... I think they should look their face in the mirror,” she said.