Hold talks for acceptable polls
UN envoy spurs govt, opposition
Oscar Fernández-Taranco
Visiting UN assistant secretary-general for political affairs, Oscar Fernández-Taranco, on Sunday stressed the need for creating a healthy environment before the upcoming parliamentary election to strengthen the democratic process in Bangladesh.
"There is no alternative to democracy for development. The government and the opposition party will be able through discussion to hold a parliamentary election transparent and acceptable to all," hoped the UN official during a meeting with Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, said a press release issued by the parliament secretariat.
About the content of discussion, Shirin said: "They [UN] think no solution is possible through conflict. They are urging all to search for solution through talks."
At the meeting held at the Speaker's office, she said she would try her best as per the constitution and the rules of procedure to organise talks between the ruling and the opposition parties.
The UN official arrived in Dhaka on Friday. Next day, he met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, opposition leader Khaleda Zia and others urging them to reach a consensus on holding a free and fair national election with the participation of all political parties.
He is scheduled to meet ruling Awami League General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam on Monday. He will meet again with the opposition leader on Monday afternoon. Wrapping up the series of meetings, he will speak at a press conference Monday.
On Sunday evening, Taranco also met Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad at the latter's office and inquired about the Election Commission's preparations for holding the next parliamentary election.
"He is satisfied with our preparatory works," the CEC told reporters after the meeting.
He said the EC earlier held talks with the political parties and will again sit with them before the next parliamentary election.
The CEC however did not specify any possible time for the talks with the parties.
Earlier in the day, Taranco met Foreign Minister Dipu Moni and discussed the prevailing political situation and other issues.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments