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CG popularity on the wane

Says outgoing UK envoy

UNB, Dhaka
British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury observed that the popularity with which the caretaker government came to power seems to be on the wane as he said two years arc a long time for an interim regime.
“Yes, it is a longer period of time. Our view was that it should be as shorter as possible and actions should be as faster as possible so you get to the elections," he said in an exclusive interview with the UNB.
Choudhury said, "The longer you take to do anything, the more risky you are from unseen events. Even if you are brilliant, you are prone to risk from unseen events."
Asked if he felt that the government lost the popularity it took over with 16 months back, he said, "Yes, that looks to be true You see popularity goes up and down."
Choudhury spoke on a wide range of subjects, encompassing the fate of general election, notion about militarisation, anti-graft trial, terrorism, climate change and bilateral trade and investment.
Asked whether he foresees silky road ahead of the elections, Choudhury, who closely watched twists and turns of political events in his four-year tenure, said road ahead of the elections seems less bumpy than six months ago and he is extremely hopeful about the election by next December.
"Road is definitely there - - it is clear and the signpost is there. Hopefully, there is no major hole in the road ahead and people are now looking at the elections." Choudhury said.
About a greater role of the army in governance, Choudhury said. "One should always guard against approaching militansation."
He, however, said the army is playing a strong supportive role in doing some good projects like voter registration and helping people in floods and cyclones, for examples. "So, something is welcome while other things people need to discuss- -what is good and what is worrying."
Choudhury said, "Our position is very clear. Our national policy is to support the best election that Bangladesh can achieve for democratic government. Bangladesh should have a strong democracy and democracy would be the mode of our relations."
Asked whether the polls would get international credence without former ruling parties--BNP and Awami League-in the fray, he said: “Our main effort is to help Bangladesh get to a level playing field for free and fair elections having a credible voter list and having credible scene so there is no serious doubt about rigging and no sign of money and muscleman factors that was part of the problem that led to a situation in 2006 and 2007."
When pointed out that past three elections were held without state of emergency and the elections results were by and large acceptable, Choudhury said law and order and voters' safety must be ensured as elections must be physically safe and away from any intimidation.
“Our position is clear the state of emergency should be lifted absolutely in all practical steps."
About Britain's position if the
election results were manipulated. Choudhury said the "rigged or manipulated elections will not be acceptable to us. Election has to be free and fair". He said Britain had opposed the elections in 2007 on the allegation of rigging and "our position has not changed".
Asked about Awami League and BNP's demand for release of Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia, he said there is judicial process that must have transparency and integrity and due process must be followed without any discrimination.
Asked if he thinks due process is being followed, he said. “We are watching the process constantly and we can have comment on that at the endoftheprocess.”
Abou t Cherie Blair's concern aired during her visit about Sheikh Hasina's health and suggestion for sending her abroad for treatment, he said, "1 am sure the government took note of it"
About the government-political party dialogue, the Bangladeshi-origin British diplomat said the dialogue is welcome and it is up to the government and the parties to decide what issues they would discuss and reach consensus.