‘No deals with foreign countries before polls’

Staff Reporter  :
Foreign Minister Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen has stated that his government does not follow the advice of any foreign power regarding any internal issue of the country.

“We have faith in the people of the country.

The Awami League works for the development of the country with the support of the people. We do not follow the advice of any foreign power,” he said.

During a conversation with journalists after the distribution of certificates among students of a private university at Shahi Eidgah in Sylhet City on Saturday, the Foreign Minister came up with the remarks.

He also mentioned that Bangladesh would not sign any agreement with any country in a hasty manner ahead of the parliamentary election.

“Bangladesh will not enter into any new agreements with any country before the elections.

And this will not have any impact on the country because Bangladesh is an independent state.

The country now holds a position. We are maintaining a balanced foreign policy,” Momen said.

“We do not interfere in the internal affairs of any country. We will hold elections according to our laws and the Constitution.

We have taken many steps to ensure that the elections would be free and fair,” he said.

Pointing out the steps taken by the government to ensure a free and fair election, the minister said, “We have taken many steps to ensure that the elections are free and fair.

We have created voter ID cards with photos, as we do not want to tolerate millions of fake votes like in the past.”

“That’s why we have introduced the photo ID card, give a thumbprint, and your ballot will be cast. One purpose of this is to prevent fake votes, which is why we have installed it.

In addition to this, we have introduced transparent ballot boxes to prevent voting in the dark of night.

You complain about voting in the dark of night, but you have not been able to provide evidence,” he continued.

Dr. Momen also mentioned that his government has established an extremely powerful Election Commission.

“We have not created an Election Commission like Aziz brand. They have been given ample power. If there is any loyalty to a party, their term will be terminated.

They have the power to cancel elections as well. Such a powerful Election Commission is rare in the world.”

Emphasising the holding of elections under the partisan government, he said, “In other countries, elections are held under the leadership of the government in power.

Only in Bangladesh, you have this suspicious thing, ‘this is not acceptable.’

Is this present anywhere else in the world? If someone asks the US President to resign and hold elections, will they do it? It’s a bad issue.

Here, according to the rules of our democracy, elections will be held in due time.”

Mentioning the invitation from the organisers of BRICS, he said, “The organisers of the upcoming BRICS summit have extended an invitation.

It is believed that the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will attend. Even if Bangladesh is not included as a new member in BRICS this year, still, when she goes there, she will have discussions with many heads of state from different countries on various issues.”

Pointing to the journalists, he said, “Why do you uproar in favour of America? You are creating pressure on behalf of the US.

You work for the country’s future. The Awami League is working for the future of the people of the country.”