In reaction to criticism of the 2014 elections marred by the boycott of the BNP and its allies, she told an Awami League meeting held at the Ganabhaban on Saturday: "The Jan 5 elections were not held without the voters. The turnout was over 40 percent. "
Besides the BNP, more than half of the registered political parties in the country, including the BNP's partners in the 20 - party alliance and the Communist Party of Bangladesh, boycotted the Jan 5, 2014, elections.
The Awami League formed the government for the second consecutive term after winning the elections.
From the Awami League and its allies, 154 MPs were elected uncontested. The turnout was low with fear of violence amid the boycott by the BNP.
Hasina recalled the violence unleashed by the BNP - led alliance to stop the elections.