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We too want fair polls like in the UK
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the upcoming general polls in Bangladesh and they want a fair election in the country.
In response, Hasina said, “We’re committed to holding a fair election. It requires participation of all and I want cooperation from all to hold fair polls.”
She said the AL government has done everything required to hold a fair election that includes introducing a voter list with photographs and transparent ballot boxes.
“We have made the Election Commission independent and powerful enough alongside bringing institutional frameworks to hold a fair election,” she added.
The premier said they believe in Westminster like democracy following which Bangladesh has introduced a question-answer session.
During the meeting with the UK foreign minister, several bilateral issues like climate change, trade and commerce alongside the Rohingya came up prominently, Momen said.
Cleverly highly praised the humanitarian role of Bangladesh premier for sheltering a huge number of Rohingyas in Bangladesh.
“Britain will remain beside Bangladesh for quick repatriation of Rohingyas,” he said.
Momen said the British government has taken a bill on the Rohingya issue in the Security Council and played an effective role to pass the resolution.
Cleverly also expressed his gratitude to the Bangladesh premier as she joined the coronation of King Charles III.
Hasina said Bangladesh has a very good relationship with the UK since Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman arrived in London after being released from the Pakistani jail following the country’s independence and was warmly received there.
Cleverly said, “Relations between Bangladesh and the UK is very deep-rooted and it is being further consolidated ... .”
He lauded the economic advancement of Bangladesh under the dynamic leadership of Hasina.
Momen said Hasina also had interactions with King Charles III during the Commonwealth Leaders’ Event when she invited the King to visit Bangladesh and the King replied positively.
ELECTION OBSERVERS
Hasina yesterday requested the Commonwealth to send diverse election observers from different member countries for the upcoming general election in Bangladesh, adds UNB.
The PM said this while Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Patricia Scotland called on her at the hotel, said Momen while briefing reporters after the meeting.
In reply, Patricia Scotland said the Commonwealth is ready to help Bangladesh in holding the polls, Momen said.
She said in many Commonwealth countries they made the same arrangement where all political parties express their commitment that they will join the election, and what they want for making the polls fair.
“If they don’t win, they must accept the polls results,” Momen quoted her as saying.
Patricia Scotland added that the political parties will pledge that they will not go for violence. “All political parties will express their commitment for a free and fair election.”
Momen said the Bangladesh government also wants that. “All political parties will make their political commitments.”
The Commonwealth secretary general said political parties will make public commitment where they will say that they will participate in the election, will do everything for ensuring fair and non-violent polls.
“They want to help us,” Momen said, adding, “We said of course.”
Hasina requested training for Election Commission officers in the district level like they did in the past. She asked them to hold meetings with the Election Commission as it is now independent.
The PM informed the Commonwealth that her government has taken a number of steps to strengthen the EC and ensured voting rights in the country.
Apart from the polls, artificial intelligence, climate change, mental health and digital connectivity were prominently discussed in the meeting, Momen said.
Hasina has expressed her desire that Bangladesh wanted to lead artificial intelligence committee of Commonwealth from June next as the country is now leading the Commonwealth’s business-to-business event, he said.
Momen added that the Commonwealth secretary general has agreed.