UK recognises govt secured democratic mandate to ensure sustainable democracy in Bangladesh
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
British Minister for International Development Douglas Alexander Tuesday said Britain recognised that the government secured democratic mandate to ensure sustainable democracy in Bangladesh with participation of the opposition in Parliament. The British minister told a correspondent at the pre-departure news conference at Radisson Hotel in the afternoon before leaving for Kolkata along with his colleague, reports UNB.
"This country simply cannot return to the divisive politics of the past. We encourage all parties and all citizens to constructively engage in democratic politics and make an effective parliament with the opposition's participation", he said.
Citing teachings from other democracies, Douglas said where there is effective government and effective parliament, democracy is strengthened.
He said the UK stands ready to continue to support all those from all political parties who are engaged in constructive politics for the future of Bangladesh.
Douglas and his colleague, Ed Milliband, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, arrived Dhaka Monday on a short visit with climate change on top of their agenda ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen scheduled for December this year.
Both the ministers Tuesday visited a char island in Sthal Union in Sirajganj district observing the impact of climate change on the hard-luck community.
Milliband said he is optimistic by nature and hoped a consensus deal given the political will, though he admitted it is not an easy task.
British High Commis-sioner Stephen Evans and DFID chief Chris Austin were present at the press conference.
"This country simply cannot return to the divisive politics of the past. We encourage all parties and all citizens to constructively engage in democratic politics and make an effective parliament with the opposition's participation", he said.
Citing teachings from other democracies, Douglas said where there is effective government and effective parliament, democracy is strengthened.
He said the UK stands ready to continue to support all those from all political parties who are engaged in constructive politics for the future of Bangladesh.
Douglas and his colleague, Ed Milliband, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, arrived Dhaka Monday on a short visit with climate change on top of their agenda ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen scheduled for December this year.
Both the ministers Tuesday visited a char island in Sthal Union in Sirajganj district observing the impact of climate change on the hard-luck community.
Milliband said he is optimistic by nature and hoped a consensus deal given the political will, though he admitted it is not an easy task.
British High Commis-sioner Stephen Evans and DFID chief Chris Austin were present at the press conference.