No tension between govt, Western powers: FM

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday said there is no tension between the government and the Western powers over the upcoming national elections of Bangladesh.
The opposition BNP has lost its credibility to the Western countries after they unleashed on October 28 last, he told newsmen at his foreign ministry office.
Asked whether a secret understanding was made by the government with the western countries that were highly vocal regarding the upcoming polls, the FM said that there was no secret understanding with anybody.
All the powerful countries of the world are friendly with us, he said, adding that the Western countries are quiet now because they are convinced about the government's commitment to hold free and fair polls.
"Like them, we also want free, fair and credible polls," he said. "They want to help us hold free and fair polls," he continued, adding that there is no pressure from them. "But we have our own pressure and that is to ensure a free and fair election and we are committed to do that," the minister said.
The minister said that as the US has announced that those who boycott and intimidate, will face visa restrictions, they should impose such restrictions against the party that boycotted the polls. "Let's see what the US does in this regard."
Responding to a question whether the upcoming polls will be acceptable internationally as only the independent  candidates are contesting with the ruling party, he said the elections will be credible and acceptable if the turnout of voters is sufficient.
The minister said that the BNP is regarded as a party of terrorists after they had resorted to violence on October 28 last.
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