FM rejects US-UK reservations
Staff Reporter :
Disregarding the reservations expressed by the United States and the United Kingdom regarding the fairness and credibility of the election, Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen stated that he is indifferent to such concerns, emphasising that the people’s verdicts speak for themselves.
“We do not dwell on such matters. People have given their verdict.
Those who have come from other countries said the election was held in a free and fair manner.
They have thanked the Election Commission.
That’s it. People have established their rights through casting votes anew. We are proud of it,” he said.
The Foreign Minister came up with the remarks in reply to a question of the journalists after an event titled “Meet and Greet” organised by the Foreign Ministry at the Foreign Service Academy on Tuesday.
“We are happy to hold a free, fair and violence free election. People have given their verdict. That’s enough. We don’t want any other things,” he said.
Earlier on Monday, the US and the UK in separate statement mentioned that the 12th parliamentary poll was not free, fair and credible.
Just two days after the election on January 7, the Foreign Ministry organised the event to inform about the election and its outcome to around 50 foreign diplomats.
US Ambassador Peter Haas, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen along with the ambassadors of Russia, Switzerland, Sweden and Germany were present.
In reply to a question about the election of Bangladesh, Charles Whiteley, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh said, “I don’t want to make any comment about the election right now. A statement will be issued from the EU within a week.”
However, German Ambassador to Bangladesh Achim Troster said, “We think the election was held peacefully. Germany will remain beside the people of Bangladesh as a trusted partner. We expect the development cooperation will continue.”
Chinese Ambassador said that China congratulated Bangladesh for holding the poll amid challenges.
“It is the victory of democracy and people. China will remain as the trusted partner of Bangladesh,” he said.
About the significance of the election, Foreign Minister Abdul Momen in his speech said, “The election is important for maintaining a seamless democratic transition process in the country as per the Constitution. This will further contribute to our efforts towards achieving the global threshold in democratic practices.
Alongside our economic strides, Bangladesh will also succeed in building a democratic society which our future generations will take pride in.”
The election also marks the continuation of a democratic Bangladesh polity that remains firmly committed to regional and global peace and security and eliminating terrorism, and countering radicalization and extremism, while championing international development objectives, he further said.
