Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Wednesday said crores of people are eagerly waiting to cast their votes in the 12th parliamentary elections scheduled to be held on January 7, 2024.

He said this while speaking at the Awami League election manifesto announcement ceremony at a city hotel.

The Awami League's slogan in this election is Smart Bangladesh and Unnoyan Drishyoman, Barbey Ebar Kormo Sangsthan.

Obaidul Quader, citing a study by the US research institute International Republican Institute (IRI), said that IRI stated in its research report that 70% of the people of Bangladesh support Sheikh Hasina. 

"Whom shall we fear? Our people are ready to vote," he added.

Sheikh Hasina is fighting to make Bangladesh wealthier, brighter and more enlightened, he said, adding that Sheikh Hasina is the dynamic leader of the people. 

He hoped that Awami League will win the election and thus, the country will not bow down to falsehood.

Earlier, in the morning, the manifesto announcement ceremony started with the playing of national anthem.

Later in the documentary, the details of the development of the Awami League regime were highlighted.

Awami League Election Manifesto Formulation Committee Convener Dr Abdur Razzaque gave the welcome speech on the occasion. 

Following that, the Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader gave a brief speech. 

Finally, Awami League President Sheikh Hasina announced the manifesto.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said: "We are fighting against a hostile environment. We have to do the election due to the obligation of the constitution."

None but the Awami League has handed over power peacefully, he said.

"We believe that the elected government will hand over power to the elected government (following the election)," he said.

Highlighting arson terrorism, the veteran Awami League leader said there is nothing to be afraid of about the election as people have seen this terror of fire and burning many times.

"By confronting these conspiracies and terrorism, we will reach the port of the hearts of the people holding our red-green flag, Insha Allah," he hoped.

Saying Sheikh Hasina as an inspiring leader to the nation, he said: "We are moving towards that goal."

"The name of the most popular leader in Bangladesh in the last 48 years is Sheikh Hasina, the name of the bravest leader in the last 48 years is Sheikh Hasina, the name of the most efficient administrator in the last 48 years is Sheikh Hasina and the name of the most successful diplomat in the last 48 years is Sheikh Hasina," Quader mentioned repeatedly.