Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday reiterated her call to the people to vote for ‘boat,’ her Awami League party’s election symbol, in the next general election for their continued well-being and further development of the country.

“If only the boat symbol forms the government the next time as well, you will get improvement and the country will witness development,” she told a civic gathering.

The rally was arranged by Mithamoin upazila Awami League at the Mithamoin Helipad Ground in Kishoreganj.

Sheikh Hasina, also the Awami League president, said whenever BNP or BNP-Jamaat alliance came to power, the public suffering went up. On the other hand, when Awami League comes to power, the country witnesses an increase in the production of crops, fish, and vegetables, she said.

“The people are happy getting food and clothes. The fate of the people has changed.”

She said today’s Bangladesh has turned around and gets dignity in the world arena. “Bangladesh is a role model for development. Bangladesh is marching forward and will do so.”

Noting that the government is now implementing different programmes for the overall development of the haor region, the prime minister said if Awami League returns to the office again, the programmes will continue.

“So, I would like to urge you to give us the scope to serve you by making Awami League victorious through casting votes for the boat symbol also in the next election which will be held in December 2023 or January 2024. It is my appeal to you,” she said.

At this time, Sheikh Hasina asked the people to raise their hands and promise to vote for the boat. The crowds responded with jubilation.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, Organising Secretary Mirza Azam and Office Secretary Biplab Barua, local MP Rejwan Ahammad Taufiq, Kishoreganj district council Chairman and district Awami League acting president Zillur Rahman and its General Secretary MA Afzal Hossain spoke at the rally.

Mithamoin upazila Awami League President Muhammad Abdul Haque presided over the programme, while its General Secretary Samir Kumar Baishnab conducted it.