UK's reservation about last JS polls no secret

It is no secret that the UK had concerns over the January 5, 2014 general elections because a majority of the people was deprived of exercising their franchise, said the newly appointed first female British high commissioner to Bangladesh yesterday.

Although the British government does not comment on local elections, the recent municipal polls were peaceful compared to past ones due to the participation of the out-of-parliament opposition and less interference, said Alison Blake.

She, however, hoped that "future elections at all-levels will be participatory, fair and transparent" and the UK would continue to help Bangladesh bring stability and prosperity.

Mentioning recent reports of abuses by law enforcers, Blake said both countries collaborate on law enforcement issues but the UK does not cooperate with alleged abusers and that there should be investigations if there were specific allegations.

The UK will continue to support Bangladesh on its democratic path as it grows into a stronger and more prosperous nation, and continue to work with the government, all political parties, democratic institutions and other stakeholders to help "flourish democracy", she said.

Blake was having her first interaction with the media after presenting her credentials to the president on Tuesday.

Referring to new Global Goals -- sustainable development goals, she said the goals for the first time include commitments to peace, justice and strong institutions and the UK has provided support to Bangladesh over many years to modernise its institutions.

"We believe democracy, with a flourishing civil society operating under the rule of law, is the best way to build a prosperous and stable society," she said.

Blake mentioned that the British government was ready to support the government and people to develop institutions befitting a middle-income-country and to ensure that none was left behind in the pursuit of economic growth and development.

Blake said the UK believed a "stable, prosperous and secure" Bangladesh was in the UK's interest as well as that of Bangladesh.

"We are committed to supporting Bangladesh in its aspirations to build a brighter future for all of its people. I very much look forward to working with the government and people of Bangladesh on this shared agenda in the coming years," she hoped. Blake said there was good cooperation in aviation security and she was to encourage British business and trade. "We have a lot to offer Bangladesh. We are always keen to encourage visiting business delegations," she said adding,her appointment was not a break from the past but an opportunity to build on the work of her many predecessors to further strengthen and deepen the long and friendly relationship and to build a "bright future" for both countries.

British Deputy High Commissioner Mark Clayton and DFID Bangladesh Country representative Sarah Cooke also spoke at the media interaction conducted by British High Commission Spokesperson Fouzia Younis-Suleman.