German envoy suggests party reforms in Awami League
Monday, 16 June 2008
German Ambassador to Bangladesh Frank Meyke had a meeting with Awami League acting president Zillur Rahman Sunday and discussed issues relating to reforms in parties and parliamentary elections.
Talking to the press after the meeting held at Zillur's Gulshan residence, the ambassador stressed the need for party reforms to prevent recurrence of confrontational politics in the country, UNB reports.
Mr Meyke described party reforms as a pre-condition of sustainable democracy in the country.
He said Bangladesh's development partners, including the German government are waiting to see the holding of the election in time and full restoration of democracy in the country.
Meyke said he is very much hopeful about timely election in Bangladesh. AL leaders and other political parties are now in a very cooperative and constructive mood about the parliamentary election.
"Today's meeting has reassured me that the AL will work positively towards party reforms," he said, adding that the ongoing dialogue would be effective in preventing recurrence of confrontational politics here.
Awami League acting general secretary told reporters that they wanted to hold party council to bring about changes to its constitution for necessary reforms.
But, he said, current state of emergency and absence of necessary laws are delaying their reform process.
" Awami League has no problem to reform the party rules. To do this, we will have to arrange council. But under the state of emergency, we cannot do this," Ashraf said.
He urged the government to approve the political party registration act drafted by the Election Commission for the interest of party reforms.
"If the government approves the law, most of the political parties will be bound to make reforms within the party. Because, the draft law requires some reforms within parties for getting the registration," he said.
Asked about 'green signal' uttered by the German envoy, Ashraf said investors from developed countries are waiting for political stability of Bangladesh. "They are very keen to invest here, but the present political situation is discouraging them."
Asked about the health condition of Sheikh Hasina now in America, Ashraf said in a day or two she is likely to go to Florida for her treatment.
Talking to the press after the meeting held at Zillur's Gulshan residence, the ambassador stressed the need for party reforms to prevent recurrence of confrontational politics in the country, UNB reports.
Mr Meyke described party reforms as a pre-condition of sustainable democracy in the country.
He said Bangladesh's development partners, including the German government are waiting to see the holding of the election in time and full restoration of democracy in the country.
Meyke said he is very much hopeful about timely election in Bangladesh. AL leaders and other political parties are now in a very cooperative and constructive mood about the parliamentary election.
"Today's meeting has reassured me that the AL will work positively towards party reforms," he said, adding that the ongoing dialogue would be effective in preventing recurrence of confrontational politics here.
Awami League acting general secretary told reporters that they wanted to hold party council to bring about changes to its constitution for necessary reforms.
But, he said, current state of emergency and absence of necessary laws are delaying their reform process.
" Awami League has no problem to reform the party rules. To do this, we will have to arrange council. But under the state of emergency, we cannot do this," Ashraf said.
He urged the government to approve the political party registration act drafted by the Election Commission for the interest of party reforms.
"If the government approves the law, most of the political parties will be bound to make reforms within the party. Because, the draft law requires some reforms within parties for getting the registration," he said.
Asked about 'green signal' uttered by the German envoy, Ashraf said investors from developed countries are waiting for political stability of Bangladesh. "They are very keen to invest here, but the present political situation is discouraging them."
Asked about the health condition of Sheikh Hasina now in America, Ashraf said in a day or two she is likely to go to Florida for her treatment.