DHAKA, Jan 10, 2024 (BSS)- Information and Broadcasting Minister and Awami
League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud today said the first challenge
of the new government will be uprooted the arson terrorism and to build
'Smart Bangladesh'.

The minister told reporters after placing glowing tributes at the portrait of
Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in city's Dhanmondi-32
marking the Homecoming Day of Bangabandhu.

"Bangladesh achieved victory in 1971 through the surrender of the Pakistani
occupation forces. But, this victory was incomplete until Bangabandhu, the
great hero of the victory who was imprisoned in Pakistan, was released and
returned home," Dr Hasan said, adding that the victory of Bangladesh got
completion on January 10, 1972.

The minister also paid rich tributes to all martyrs including Bangamata
Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib who were brutally killed on August 15 in 1975.

About the national polls on January 7, Hasan Mahmud said the election was
held in a free, fair and neutral manner with the huge participation of the
countrymen. The voting turnout was 42 percent while it was about 70 percent
in some constituencies, he said.

The AL Joint General Secretary said the observers who are from the United
States of America (USA), the European Union countries and the other countries
have claimed that the poll was held in a free, fair and transparent manner.
In fact, the EU, USA and UK have said that they will work with Bangladesh
government, he added.

Envoys of about 31 countries including India, China, Russia and Japan met
with the Prime Minister and congratulated her, the minister said, adding:
"Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi phoned our Premier and congratulated
her."

On the other hand, Hasan Mahmud said the countrymen have rejected BNP-
Jamaat's call of boycotting election.