EC terms emergency a problematic point

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The European Commission (EC) Sunday termed the state of emergency in Bangladesh a problematic point and urged the caretaker government to improve few things to guarantee freedom of the voters and free and fair election with participation of all, reports UNB.brThe EC's latest position was conveyed by EC Head of the Delegation Ambassador Stefan Frowein to Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury at the Foreign Ministry.brAfter nearly an hour-long meeting, Frowein told newsmen that he conveyed to the Adviser some points of the EU exploratory mission's report on election observation in Bangladesh.brThe exploratory mission had come to Dhaka last June, held wide range of discussions with major stakeholders and submitted its report to EC External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner.brIt's an internal report but I should say still there are few things where improvement should be made to guarantee the freedom of voters and freedom that is necessary for free and fair elections, Frowein said.brHe said there are rooms where improvement has to be done and the decision on sending EU Election Observation Mission to Bangladesh would be taken end of September or beginning of October.brAsked whether the EC would like to see lifting of the state of emergency, Frowein said The state of emergency is a problematic point. Some people say it has to be lifted, some say it has to be relaxed.brHowever, he said It's not a question of terminology, it's a question of right of voters so they can vote freely and everybody can participate.brThe Ambassador said I can say clearly that we do not normally observe elections under the state of emergency. We normally don't do that. He said at this point it is difficult to predict any indication about whether or not the EU will observe the elections in Bangladesh.brHe said the Foreign Adviser would have a meeting with EC Commissioner Benita Ferrero on September 22 in New York when they will discuss this matter in details.brThis will be an important meeting following which the EC will decide the question of fielding an Observer Mission for the elections, Forwein said.brIftekhar told the newsmen that the EU does not send its election observation mission to a country under state of emergency but the Bangladesh situation is unique. brOur main challenge is to ensure each voter to cast his vote freely without any impediment.brMentioning recent remarks of the Chief Adviser, Iftekhar said the emergency rules would be relaxed as much as possible to ensure free and fair polls.brHe said completion of voters' list with photos and ID cards has earned acclamation from all and Bangladesh could be put in the Guinness Book of Records for this.brThe Adviser hoped that friendly countries would come to Bangladesh to observe the general polls in December.brIftekhar said apart from the election matters, they discussed BIMSTEC free trade agreement as well as proposed Bangladesh-Myanmar-Thailand-China highway that could boost economic activities in the region.