US wants free, fair polls: Haas to GM Quader

Staff Reporter  :
The United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas has underscored the importance of creating an environment where everyone can cast votes freely.

He said this while holding a talk with Jatiya Party (JP) Chairman GM Quader at the residence of JP’s special envoy Masroor Maula in the city’s Gulshan area.

Maula told the media that extensive discussions took place, including discussions on the upcoming national election.

He stated that the Ambassador wanted to know about the preparation of the Jatiya Party’s participation in the election.

“We have replied that JP is thinking about the election. No final decision has been made yet. We have a plan to nominate candidates for about 300 seats,” he said.

“The US Ambassador told us that his government is working for holding a free, fair and credible election so that voters can cast their votes freely. For this, an environment is necessary,” Maula said.

He also mentioned that JP Chairman asked the US envoy about any possible sanction on Bangladesh.

“In reply, Peter Haas said that such matters are determined by the State Department. He cannot provide any immediate comments on this matter,” Maula said.

He also said that GM Quader has conveyed to the US envoy about the importance of dialogue to resolve the ongoing political standoff and to evade political violence.

Maula further said that the Western countries, including the US, want the safeguard of their investment here and for this they have underscored the importance of a free, fair and participatory election.

Currently the United States is being engaged with different stakeholders, including political parties, civil society members and journalists, and encouraging creating a peaceful environment necessary for election.