British delegation for inclusive polls

The visiting British Conservative Party delegation yesterday hoped that Bangladesh's next general election will be free, fair and competitive with the participation of major political parties.

Talking to reporters after a meeting with BNP senior leaders, the UK's ruling party delegation chief Anne Main MP also hoped that BNP would take part in the election.

A seven-member delegation held the hour-long meeting with the BNP leaders at its Chairperson Khaleda Zia's Gulshan office.

"This meeting tonight has been very constructive obviously. We discussed various issues and some problems BNP is facing. I really hope they'll participate in the next election," Anne said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who led the party team, said they had a very good discussion. "We've informed them about Bangladesh's political situation as they wanted to know about it."

A 22-member Conservative Party delegation, led by Anne, arrived in Bangladesh recently. They will visit Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar too.