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UK for fair polls

Says Alison Blake

Diplomatic Correspondent
UK has stressed the importance of a free and fair election, a free media and affording political space to the opposition in Bangladesh.
British High Commissioner in Bangladesh Alison Blake said this while addressing a diplomatic talk organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association Bangladesh (DCAB) at Jatiya Press Club yesterday afternoon.
She said, "We believe strongly in inclusive and participatory free and fair elections. We hope the election will be as participatory, inclusive as possible."
“We will not interfere in the internal political affairs of Bangladesh and so you won't find me speculating about the politics or election outcomes, “ said the high commissioner.
But as one Commonwealth partner to another, she said the UK, together with their international partners -- the Commonwealth, EU and others — will continue to encourage a peaceful way forward, and encourage dialogue among all the political parties in Bangladesh.
Blake made it clear that political parties in Bangladesh do not need friends to mediate "Bangladeshi people can find a way. I'm confident. They don't need friends to mediate. Way will be found."
She also laid emphasis on free press and society as the UK is committed to supporting democracy in Bangladesh.
In reply to a question about Rohingya issue, she said there is no “quick and easy" solution.
She, however, commended Bangladesh for its response to the influx of Rohingya last year and underlined their continuing commitment to keeping the international spotlight on the Rohingya crisis. She pledged supporting Bangladesh in its humanitarian response and to the voluntary, safe and dignified and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.
About the recently held UK-Bangladesh Strategic Dialogue held in London, she said the UK made it clear that it wants a stronger and deeper partnership with Bangladesh.
She congratulated Bangladesh on meeting the criteria for graduation from the status of LDC and look forward to continuing support to Bangladesh on its journey to full graduation in 2024. "Our aim is to bring the British trade and private sector development and investment... for sustained economic growth, here in Bangladesh as well as in the UK," she said.
Responding to a question on visa issue, she said shifting UK visa centre to New Delhi is part of global move but there is no change in terms of standard of visa decision making. "We remain open and welcoming. We do everything we can."
DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus and General Secretary Mahfuz Mishu also spoke on the occasion.