UK Parliament holds debate on BD polls

There has been yet another debate in the British parliament on the January 5 national election in Bangladesh, reports bdnews24.com.
In the debate at the House of Commons Wednesday, one of the ministers said Britain should help Bangladesh work towards political stability in years to come.
Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Office Hugh Robertson said the UK would continue to support the people of Bangladesh for a more stable, prosperous and democratic future.
He, however, said they would not shy away from delivering tough messages to the political leadership to try and fulfil the people's expectations.
"...the relationship between the UK and Bangladesh is historically strong .... We want to promote a shared belief in democracy, good governance and sustainable development," Robertson said.
Referring to violence over the 10th parliamentary polls, the UK state minister said, "Our response would cover three areas. First, we expressed public regret at the lack of participation and violence. Secondly, we call on Bangladesh's political parties to begin a dialogue that finds a long-term, sustainable solution, in a way that does not exist at the moment, for the good of Bangladesh's people.
Thirdly, we recognise that a proper functioning democracy, as we would understand it, is vital for Bangladesh's future security and prosperity."
Robertson said it should be a concern as to whether the will of the Bangladeshi people had been properly reflected and whether the elections met the goals of a true democracy even if they were held without the participation of the main opposition party and were constitutionally correct.
He expressed deep concerns over so many deaths in the violence during the elections.
The UK state minister said they were happy that police restrictions were relaxed at Opposition party offices and some BNP leaders were granted bail by the High Court.
"... but it is not nearly enough. Further bold moves by all sides are needed if the needs and wishes of the people of Bangladesh are going to be met and prioritised."
At the beginning of the debate, Gavin Shuker MP of Luton South said the UK could learn from the lessons of the past few months' experience faced by Bangladesh.
"... there are opportunities that are open to us as we help Bangladesh to work towards political stability in the coming years."
Labour Party MP Andrew Smith mentioned the caretaker government issue.
"... one of the fundamental problems with the election was the Awami League's refusal to follow the precedent of previous elections, whereby there had been a caretaker government to oversee fair process, foreign observers and the rest, and that failure and the political thinking behind it led to the tragedy that now confronts us."
Another Labour Party MP Jim Cunningham said the big Bangladesh population living in the UK were extremely concerned about what happened back home.
"The absence of an interim government to oversee the elections was certainly a major setback in a country that is now moving from third-world status and lifting the living standards of its people," he said.
He also stressed that the United Nations and other international organisations should put pressure on the Bangladesh Government to stop harassing the Opposition.
However, British Conservative Party MP Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) thinks the international community needs to work with the current government in Bangladesh and urged them (the government) to work with the Opposition to work out a timeframe and a framework for a future election that will be credible.
Twelve parties took part in the January 5 elections boycotted by the BNP and its allies.
The elections were held in 147 constituencies as candidates of 153 seats were declared winners without contest.
The Awami League formed government for the second consecutive term securing absolute majority.
The European Union Parliament moved a resolution on January 16 and called upon the parties to start a dialogue.
It had urged the government to release opposition politicians who it believed were 'subject to arbitrary arrest'.
It had also appealed to the BNP to distance itself from Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam.