Polls will be held within stipulated time: Iftekhar
Monday, 18 June 2007
Foreign Affairs Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury has said many people may have many opinions about general elections in the country but it is the people of Bangladesh who are in charge of shaping up their destiny.
His remark came during a press briefing in the city Sunday on his Australia visit in response to outgoing US Ambassador Patricia Butenis' recent comment that the caretaker government's legitimacy could be jeopardised if the general elections not held at the earliest, reports UNB.
"The election will be held within the stipulated time set by the government and, as the Chief Adviser said, we will not stay a single day more than necessary," the adviser mentioned.
Chowdhury made it clear that all want fair and neutral elections and all plans and programmes are geared to that end.
He said foreign representatives he has met so far have appreciated the government's reform plans and expressed their satisfaction over the steps towards holding free and fair election.
The EU troika delegation that recently visited Dhaka also appreciated government steps for elections, he mentioned.
"But it is true that Bangladeshi people will determine their destiny," he noted.
Asked about a UN inquiry into alleged excessive torturing on detainees in DR Congo by Bangladeshi peacekeepers in 2005, the adviser said this is a routine matter, and if proved guilty, the Bangladesh authorities would certainly take action.
However, the adviser said the Bangladeshi peacekeepers have done a commendable job in the strife-torn African country.
He also hinted that there might be a big opportunity to send Bangladeshi blue helmets to Sudan, another African country torn by civil war, which will require 17,000 to 20,000 peacekeepers.
Although most of the peacekeepers would be recruited from Africa, he said, there is a scope for recruiting Bangladeshi peacekeepers by the Sudanese government for their excellent track records.
Asked whether there is a new proposal for sending Bangladeshi troops to Iraq, the adviser said they have not received any such proposal.
Describing his visit to Australia as productive, Chowdhury said he had fruitful talks with Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and Canberra decided to increase their annual aid programme for Bangladesh by 33 per cent.
The increased aid will be used for food and technical assistance programmes in Bangladesh.
The adviser said about 39,000 tonnes of wheat worth US$14 million would arrive in the city during this month from Australia. During his meeting with officials of the AusAID, Chowdhury observed that Australia could send lentils and chickpeas to Bangladesh a bit earlier.
Besides, the adviser said, Australia can send some teachers of English for Bangladeshi schools and colleges under Canberra's English Language Programme.
His remark came during a press briefing in the city Sunday on his Australia visit in response to outgoing US Ambassador Patricia Butenis' recent comment that the caretaker government's legitimacy could be jeopardised if the general elections not held at the earliest, reports UNB.
"The election will be held within the stipulated time set by the government and, as the Chief Adviser said, we will not stay a single day more than necessary," the adviser mentioned.
Chowdhury made it clear that all want fair and neutral elections and all plans and programmes are geared to that end.
He said foreign representatives he has met so far have appreciated the government's reform plans and expressed their satisfaction over the steps towards holding free and fair election.
The EU troika delegation that recently visited Dhaka also appreciated government steps for elections, he mentioned.
"But it is true that Bangladeshi people will determine their destiny," he noted.
Asked about a UN inquiry into alleged excessive torturing on detainees in DR Congo by Bangladeshi peacekeepers in 2005, the adviser said this is a routine matter, and if proved guilty, the Bangladesh authorities would certainly take action.
However, the adviser said the Bangladeshi peacekeepers have done a commendable job in the strife-torn African country.
He also hinted that there might be a big opportunity to send Bangladeshi blue helmets to Sudan, another African country torn by civil war, which will require 17,000 to 20,000 peacekeepers.
Although most of the peacekeepers would be recruited from Africa, he said, there is a scope for recruiting Bangladeshi peacekeepers by the Sudanese government for their excellent track records.
Asked whether there is a new proposal for sending Bangladeshi troops to Iraq, the adviser said they have not received any such proposal.
Describing his visit to Australia as productive, Chowdhury said he had fruitful talks with Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and Canberra decided to increase their annual aid programme for Bangladesh by 33 per cent.
The increased aid will be used for food and technical assistance programmes in Bangladesh.
The adviser said about 39,000 tonnes of wheat worth US$14 million would arrive in the city during this month from Australia. During his meeting with officials of the AusAID, Chowdhury observed that Australia could send lentils and chickpeas to Bangladesh a bit earlier.
Besides, the adviser said, Australia can send some teachers of English for Bangladeshi schools and colleges under Canberra's English Language Programme.