Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said democracy is now established on a strong base in the country as her government has ensured the voting rights of people.

‘We’ve ensured it (the environment) so that the people of Bangladesh can exercise their franchise freely,’ she said.

The Prime Minister was addressing the oath-taking ceremony of newly elected mayors and councillors of Rajshahi and Sylhet City Corporations at her office, reports the UNB.

Sheikh Hasina said Awami League mayoral candidate AHM Khairuzzaman Liton secured victory in Rajshahi City Corporation, while BNP’s Arifur Haque Chowdhury won Sylhet City polls. ‘Both were sworn in one function,’ she said.

‘People in every area have attained their voting rights and can elect candidates of their choice... it’s proven today,’ she said.

Noting that democracy means the voting rights of people, which is the constitutional rights, she said, ‘We’re fully devoted to this (ensure the voting rights). We want people to have their rights in their hands.’

The government takes actions in case of minor incidents in any place during any election. ‘We want people to enjoy their basic rights and elect the candidates and their government as per their choice.’ she added.

Pointing at the newly elected mayors and councillors, Hasina said, ‘No matter what party you belong to, work properly for the overall development of their respective areas. It’s your duty.

The Prime Minister assured all, irrespective of their political affiliation, of extending her all-out cooperation to them as people have elected them.