<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud said that the citizens of the country have rejected the call to boycott the elections, demonstrating enthusiasm in casting their votes.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The minister made the remarks while talking to journalists in the ministry's conference room in the Secretariat on Tuesday noon.</div><div><br></div><div>“Despite the BNP's campaign against the polls, the violent attacks on trains on January 5, and sporadic assaults on various polling centers from January 4 to 6, the people have rejected their politics of terror and arson. The country is witnessing a virtual election festival,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Addressing the ‘despair’ of the BNP and its like-minded parties for not participating in the election, he said, “They now realize that boycotting the election has harmed them, not the country. The march towards democracy continues unabated.”</div><div><br></div><div>Regarding international observers, including those from the USA, various European Union countries, India, SAARC countries, and OIC countries, the minister said that they held a press conference praising the fair, free, and neutral nature of the election.</div><div><br></div><div>They also paid a courtesy call on the prime minister on Monday afternoon to convey their congratulations, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>In response to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights's statement on the election, Hasan commented, “The statement lacks mention of arson, petrol bombs, and harm to individuals. While addressing human rights and arrests, it fails to acknowledge that those arrested are involved in arson terrorism.”</div><div><br></div><div>When questioned about the US State Department's negative statement on the election, Hasan noted, “Prominent figures, including former White House chief of staff, congressmen, CBS News chief news editor, and former members of parliaments from Germany and the European Union, attended a press conference praising the fairness and festive atmosphere of Bangladesh's election.”</div><div><br></div><div>Highlighting the positive reception from India, China, and Russia, and mentioning their rivalry with the USA Hasan said, “Representatives from these countries congratulated the prime minister, expressing their opinion that the election was fair. This support from major nations indicates the credibility of our election, and the US State Department's statement would likely have been different without their endorsement,” reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>“We collaborate on various issues, including security with the US and they are our significant development partner. The statement also suggests a commitment to improving our relationship and continued collaboration,” he added.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas&nbsp;</div>