Diplomatic corps dean sees no reason to undo Dec 29 polls
Tuesday, 23 December 2008
Dean of the diplomatic corps in Dhaka and Swiss Ambassador Dora Rapold Monday dismissed any inimical reason that might undo the December 29 crucial parliament elections in Bangladesh, reports UNB.
"The (election) process is going on well -- everything is prepared. We can understand the process has advanced," she told reporters after Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury held meeting with heads of diplomatic missions at the Foreign Ministry.
Asked if they perceive any seen or unseen factors that might jeopardise the polls, Rapold said, "I don't see any reason why the election should not take place on December 29."
However, she said, it is up to the Bangladeshis to decide about dealing with any room for adversities of such kind.
Iftekhar, who briefed the diplomats on the election matters as well as reforms undertaken by the outgoing caretaker government, said Bangladesh is now recognised as a responsible international active player and "we hope this identity will be maintained in the future."
He said Bangladesh's progress in development and education sectors were appreciated by many and ideas, including micro-credit, are being practiced in many countries and parts of the world, including Africa.
The international community also appreciates Bangladesh's role in protecting peace across the world.
Iftekhar said several hundred foreign observers would be observing the parliament elections and the government would extend cooperation to them.
Asked if it was the farewell meeting with the diplomats, the Foreign Adviser said, "Rather, it is working progress meeting. We are now at a very important moment and we had briefed them time to time at important junctures."
"The (election) process is going on well -- everything is prepared. We can understand the process has advanced," she told reporters after Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury held meeting with heads of diplomatic missions at the Foreign Ministry.
Asked if they perceive any seen or unseen factors that might jeopardise the polls, Rapold said, "I don't see any reason why the election should not take place on December 29."
However, she said, it is up to the Bangladeshis to decide about dealing with any room for adversities of such kind.
Iftekhar, who briefed the diplomats on the election matters as well as reforms undertaken by the outgoing caretaker government, said Bangladesh is now recognised as a responsible international active player and "we hope this identity will be maintained in the future."
He said Bangladesh's progress in development and education sectors were appreciated by many and ideas, including micro-credit, are being practiced in many countries and parts of the world, including Africa.
The international community also appreciates Bangladesh's role in protecting peace across the world.
Iftekhar said several hundred foreign observers would be observing the parliament elections and the government would extend cooperation to them.
Asked if it was the farewell meeting with the diplomats, the Foreign Adviser said, "Rather, it is working progress meeting. We are now at a very important moment and we had briefed them time to time at important junctures."