Free, fair polls a must to avoid political deadlock

"Free and fair election is a must to ensure good governance," Hasina told World Bank Vice-President for South Asia Region Praful C Patel when he met her at Sudha Sadan.

Opposition leader's political secretary Saber Hossain Chowdhury told the journalists that Hasina said Awami League does not want the people to continue to suffer due to corruption and misrule of this government.

During the two-hour long meeting, Hasina and Patel discussed militancy in Bangladesh, the country's election process, corruption, good governance and failures of the government in various sectors.

The AL chief sought the World Bank's continued support in different development sectors.

Saber said Hasina briefed the WB chief executive about the qualitative difference between AL and BNP and her party's future plans.

Hasina said her party, if voted to power, will give priority to poverty alleviation, employment generation, combating corruption and developing the IT sector.

She hoped that the development programmes taken with the WB's support will continue. "We want proper use and distribution of the money comes as donor's support," Hasina was quoted as saying.

Hasina alleged that the country is now going through a dual rule -- one by the alliance government and the other by Hawa Bhaban. She told Patel that AL would not allow such practice if it voted to power.

Talking to the reporters, Patel said he discussed with Hasina how the next election could be held in a credible manner and how corruption could be tackled in Bangladesh.

"We have very frank exchange of views on a wide range of topics," he said adding that they discussed the three-year Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) prepared for Bangladesh.

AL leaders Kazi Jaoruallh MP, Syed Abul Hossain MP, ex-ambassador Ziauddin were present at the meeting.