EU Troika for congenial atmosphere for holding fair polls: AL leaders

FE Team | Published: June 10, 2007 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00

Head of the EU Troika Andreas Michaelis speaks at a press conference in the city Saturday. — Focusbangla Photo

The European Union (EU) Troika delegation said in the city Saturday that it was necessary to create a congenial atmosphere for holding a free and fair election "soon".
They were quoted as telling some Awami League (AL) leaders who called on the visiting delegation at the Gulshan residence of the German ambassador and discussed the prevailing situation in the country.
"It was a fruitful discussion," AL presidium member Abdur Razzak told newsmen after the meeting with the Troika, now in the city to assess the situation relating to election, state of politics and so.
He also said political parties should be given a chance for discussion with caretaker government and the Election Commission (EC) on matters of holding the general elections, which was scheduled for January but stalled amid political turmoil.
Another AL presidium member, Tofail Ahmed, said their party believed in reform but now the party was "not getting chance of exercising political rights".
The AL leaders also said the ban on indoor politics should be lifted.
The five-member EU Troika delegation arrived in the city last Wednesday on a four-day visit for having a first-hand view of the country's pre-election political situation.