PM for diversified C'wealth observers for next polls in BD

Commonwealth ready to help hold election, says Patricia Scotland

FE Team | Published: May 08, 2023 00:10:41

LONDON, May 07 (UNB): Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina on Sunday requested the Commonwealth to send diversified election observers from different member countries for the upcoming general election in Bangladesh.
She made the request while the Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Patricia Scotland called on the visiting prime minister at the Claridge Hotel here.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen briefed the reporters after the call on.
He said that the prime minister raised the issue of election and made the request for diversified election observers from various Commonwealth countries.
In reply, Patricia Scotland said that the Commonwealth is ready to help Bangladesh in holding the election, according to Momen.
She said that in many Commonwealth countries they made the same arrangement where all political parties express their commitment that they will participate in the election, and what they want for making the polls fair.
"If they do not win in the election, they must accept it," Momen quoted her as saying.
She also said that the political parties will pledge that they will not go for violence.
"All political parties will express their commitment for free and fair election," she said.
Momen said that Bangladesh government also wants that.
"All political parties will make their political commitment," he added.
The Commonwealth secretary general said that the political parties will make their public commitment where they will say that they will participate in the election, will do everything for ensuring fair and non-violent election.
"They want to help us," Momen said adding, "We said of course."
PM Hasina requested them to impart training to the Election Commission officers in the district level like they did in the past.
Hasina asked them to hold meetings with the Election Commission as it is now independent.