‘Both AL-US committed to free, fair elections’

Staff Reporter  :
The ruling Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said that both the ALand the United States (US) want that the upcoming 12th parliamentary polls in Bangladesh should be held in a free, fair and credible manner. In doing so, the AL is feeling the pressure of its own conscience, he said.

The AL general secretary made the remarks on Thursday following a meeting with US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas.
Obaidul Quader said the US government expressed its support for a peaceful and democratic electoral process, without making any specific demands concerning the Caretaker Government, the resignation of Sheikh Hasina, or the abolishment of parliament and the Election Commission.

Peter Haas held the meeting with Obaidul Quader at Awami League headquarters in the city’s Bangabandhu Avenue. After the meeting, the AL general secretary briefed the media.
Obaidul Quader reiterated his party’s commitment to ensuring a free and fair election and said it is the Awami League’s duty to protect democracy in the country, considering their longstanding struggle for democratic principles. The issue of dialogue with the opposition parties was not discussed in the meeting, he added.
In response to questions about feeling pressure from foreign diplomats’ recent remarks on the election, Quader asserted that the party does not feel any pressure from external sources.