Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said the electronic voting machines (EVMs) should not be imposed hurriedly as the machines need to be introduced on a limited scale in national elections.

‘There’s an EVM system in many countries of the world. I was always and still I’m in favour of it. Yes, this is right it shouldn’t be imposed in hastily as it’s a matter of practice. We’ll have to examine it,’ she said while addressing a press conference at her official residence Ganobhaban.

The press conference was arranged to brief the media about the outcomes of her just-concluded visit to Nepal for attending the 4th Bimstec summit.

The Prime Minister said introduction of EVMs is part of the government’s ‘Digital Bangladesh’ vision as it is a new technology.

‘Well, let it (EVM) be used in some places. Let people examine gradually whether there’s any system loss here (with machines),’ she said.

Hasina said if any system loss is found in assessment, the EVM use will be cancelled. ‘This not final words (EVM must be introduced). There’s nothing to raise so much of objections here.

Let’s start using the technology on a limited scale.’

Noting that BNP is very much vocal against EVM, she said BNP does not want the EVM as they will not be able to apply their vote-rigging technique with the machines.

‘They know a good rigging technique.... we’re yet to discover it,’ she said adding that even election observers could not find out their technique.