We just backed poll roadmap
Former British high commissioner to Bangladesh Anwar Choudhury yesterday denied any role in the events of 1/11, but said his government supported the clear commitment of the caretaker government to hold a free, fair and safe election. He resented the allegation that he was one of the architects of the 1/11 changeover.
Street violence and killings led to the declaration of the state of emergency, he added.
"As you remember, we supported a free, fair and safe election as soon as possible. The roadmap published by the interim government showed it couldn't be done because of the fair amount of time that was required...That is, what we always supported is something we've said for 40 years for Bangladesh to become a democratic, stable and prosperous country," Choudhury said in an interview with The Daily Star at the British High Commission.
Now Director of International Institutions at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, he said he was very sad to hear the allegation that he had a role behind 1/11 in Bangladesh. Terming it unfortunate and regrettable, he said, "It is simply not true."
He said, "What was happening in Bangladesh was the decisions of Bangladeshi people. It is because of the internal mechanism and politics of Bangladesh. Our position has always been clear as you will see it time and again. We did not, and we do not, interfere into the internal dynamics of Bangladesh."
Choudhury said his position was always transparent and that was to support a democratic, stable and prosperous Bangladesh. "That is exactly what we have been doing...We supported the voter list, supported a roadmap to a safe, free and fair election. So, I can't really see why the accusation should be there," he said.
Chowdhury, who escaped a grenade attack in Sylhet in 2004, also said, "We are a good friend of this country and we have always been so. This is an independent country that makes its own decision."
Asked what led Bangladesh to a situation like 1/11, he said, "You as the media witnessed it. Leading up to the declaration of emergency was a lot of violence. People were dying in the streets. There were a lot of opinions about whether the election could be held and be free and fair. You had also problems with extremism."
Choudhury said the people of this country knew better than him about the situation. "What is important is that we looked forward and people worked together within Bangladesh. And now somebody has been elected...there is an opposition. In any democracy, you need a strong government and a strong opposition to work together."
He said he is willing to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia during his visit.
"We had a good relationship with the current opposition party. When the party was in power we did a lot of work together to combat extremism. And we would do so again when they come back to power in future after election," he added.
He further said, "You are in opposition today but tomorrow you will be in power. That's democracy. No matter which party is being elected, we will continue with our strong relations."
Choudhury, who was the British high commissioner in Dhaka from May 2004 to May 2008, said he is happy to be back in Bangladesh. "The purpose of my visit has to do with my new job and to engage with Bangladesh on how you work together in the international platform."
As the chief of International Institutions at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office also dealing with the UN and commonwealth policies in international situations, Choudhury said there are many areas where the UK and Bangladesh could be even bigger partners, including UN peacekeeping, human rights and democracy.
He said the great achievement for Bangladesh is the return to democracy. "Now it's time for the parliament...for the government and the opposition to work together," he said.
"In the Security Council, we are discussing peacekeeping. Bangladesh is a true contributor to peacekeeping missions and we want Bangladesh to play a significant role with the planning of these missions and advising how the missions can be conducted, contributing to the whole process. So, when we do peace process, it is the country that is giving the troops as well as the Security Council and the host country acting together."
On climate change, Choudhury said the UK has been very supportive of Bangladesh. "We want to see a strong representation and leadership from Bangladesh. We think Bangladesh has a chance to lead the adaptation field and negotiate the deals for the countries that have been affected," he said.
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