British MP arrives to discuss elections

British Conservative Party MP Anne Main arrived here yesterday on a weeklong visit to discuss elections and others issues with the government and opposition leaders and civil-society representatives.
Main, also vice-chair of All Party Parliamentary Group, is expected to meet the foreign affairs adviser and leaders of major parties like Awami League and BNP during the private tour.
She may also meet Election Commission (EC) officials to apprise herself of preparation of the voter list, being made in preparation for the polls.
Main may also look into whether due process is being followed properly in holding trial of former prime ministers Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia and other politicians.
This is Main's second visit to Dhaka since the political crisis over election issues cropped up in Bangladesh. She last came here before the stalled elections slated for January 22 last year.
Awami League leader Saber Hossain Chowdhury made a courtesy call on her at Hotel Sonargaon in the afternoon.
"We just had an informal discussion mainly on election matters," Saber told UNB. He apprised her of Awami League's position on the elections, saying that his party wants parliamentary elections according to roadmap announced by the EC.
"I told her it would be good if the Election Commission could arrange the election ahead of the roadmap," Saber said.
He said the British lawmaker is likely to formally meet the Awami League leadership in a couple of days.
An official of the British High Commission here said he was not aware of her visit as it is a private visit.