Sheikh Hasina, the prime minister and president of the Awami League, urged citizens to use their right to vote in Sunday's election to demonstrate that democracy is still in place in Bangladesh on Thursday.

"Vote at polling places to stop efforts to rig the results," she said.

The AL chief was speaking at a large-scale election rally at the AKM Shamsuzzoha Krira Complex Ground in Fatullah, under Narayanganj. This was the leader's final public appearance before the legislative vote on January 7.

She said Bangladesh has witnessed a massive development due to the continuation of a democratic trend in the country.

The AL president asked all the people to maintain peace during the 12th parliamentary election slated for January 7 as many conspiracies were hatched regarding this election.

“These plots continue so that this election won’t be held,” she said.

Criticising BNP for unleashing violence, the PM said there is no humanity among them.

“They have not joined the election. It is their wish. But the people of this country would never accept the obstruction on voting rights,” she said.

Stressing that the election must be held on January 7, Hasina urged all to stay alert so that they (BNP) won't destroy the public assets.

In the rally, the PM sought votes for her party-nominated candidates —Golam Dastagir Gazi (Narayanganj-1 constituency), Shamim Osman (Narayanganj-4), Nazrul Islam Babu (Narayanganj-2) and Abdullah Al Kaiser (Narayanganj-3)--- in the January-7 election.

AL general secretary Obaidul Quader and Narayanganj-4 MP Shamim Osman spoke at the rally, presided over by Narayanganj District AL President Abdul Hye.

Hasina mounted the large boat-shaped stage at 3:13pm and waved the national flag to a roaring response of the participants.

Bangladesh Awami Jubo League Chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, Narayanganj City Corporation Mayor Selina Hayat Ivy and Narayanganj-5 MP AKM Salim Osman, four AL candidates, among others, were present on the stage.

AL leaders and supporters started swarming to the venue with processions, chanting slogans and carrying placards in hands from different parts of Narayanganj district since the morning. The ground was filled to the brim with the people of all strata of life.

The entire Narayanganj city wore a festive look as the roads were decorated with various posters, banners and placards welcoming Sheikh Hasina.

Referring to the poor performance of BNP in the 2008 general election, Hasina said AL then alone secured 233 seats out of 300, while BNP got only 30 seats.

“Since then BNP fears running in the election,” she said.

The PM said BNP has only one quality and that is the act of arson and killing people. “They don't give anything to the people," she added.

Focusing on her government's success and development of Bangladesh in the last 15 years, she said Bangladesh has attained the status of a developing nation. None other than Awami League will be able to uphold the journey of Bangladesh as a developing country, she said.

Turning to the development of Narayanganj taken place during the three consecutive terms of the Awami League government, she said Narayanganj has witnessed an unprecedented development in the last 15 years.

"If we are voted to power again (in the January-7 election), we will build Narayanganj into a smart city as it is a very important town and very close to the capital," she said.

The Prime Minister said there are plans to construct three metro lines –-MRT-1,2 and 4 – which will cross Narayanganj district.