Information and Broad-casting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday said that interest of foreign observers in the poll proves that a transparent, fair and participatory election is going to be held in the country and their arrival will be very conducive to ensuring a fair election, report agencies.
"The interests of foreign observers have proved that the next polls in Bangladesh will be free, fair and participatory. Foreign observers' arrival will help immensely hold a transparent and credible election," he said while exchanging views with reporters at his secretariat office in the city on Monday.
Dr Hasan said there was an apprehension about arrival of foreign observers before the announcement of the poll schedule. But now many foreign organisations have expressed their keen interest to observe the poll, he said.
Referring to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Hasan said apart from European Union, election observers from many countries including India, Japan, OIC, Palestine and Arab League will come to oversee the poll. This proves that a festive mood is prevailing across the country and voters are eagerly waiting for exercising their franchise, he said.
Those persons who are calling blockade to foil the poll could also realise that a good election would be held with the huge participation of voters, he said.
Pointing out recent reshuffle in the local administration, the minister said the Election Commission (EC) is working independently. The government and Prime Minister repeatedly registered their firm commitment to providing all-out support to the EC to hold a free and fair election.
Replying to a query over increasing price of some essential items, Dr Hasan said price of most of the commodities including meat and vegetables declined in the last two weeks. But, the price of onion has shoot up suddenly after the announcement of stopping onion exports by Indian government, he said.
"It is nothing, but manifestation of the dishonest mentality of our few wholesale and retail traders," the minister said hoping that price will fall down soon as drives against the dishonest traders are going on.
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