Elections within EC timeframe

President Iajuddin Ahmed has said the next parliamentary elections will be held in a free, fair and credible manner within the timeframe set by the Election Commission (EC).
"The Election Commission has already announced election roadmap and working in this regard," he told the newly appointed Ambassador of Vietnam to Bangladesh Nguen Van when he presented his credentials to the president at Bangabhaban yesterday.
The president also invited international observers to observe the parliamentary election.
He stressed the need for enhancing bilateral trade and commerce for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
The president told the envoy that the government of Vietnam might import high-class pharmaceuticals, melamine, garments and textiles, jute and leather products from Bangladesh at competitive prices.
He stated that Bangladesh and Vietnam share similar views on many major regional and international issues and work closely in various fora, including the UN.
The president mentioned that Bangladesh has already extended its support to Vietnam for non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council.
He thanked the Vietnamese government for its strong support to Bangladesh's bid for membership of the Asean Regional Forum (ARF).
He noted that Bangladesh achieved 6.5 percent GDP growth over the years. The president remarked that Bangladesh has attained noticeable women empowerment through micro-credit.
In this connection, the president lauded the role of Prof Muhammad Yunus, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, for his outstanding contributions to micro-credit operations.
The ambassador of Vietnam said the relations between Vietnam and Bangladesh are excellent and the ties will be further strengthened in the days to come.
He sought cooperation from the president in discharging his duties in Bangladesh.
Earlier, on his arrival at Bangabhaban, the envoy was given a guard of honour by the President's Guard Regiment.
Military Secretary to the President Major General Md Aminul Karim, Secretary Md Sirajul Islam, Acting Foreign Secretary MAK Mahmud, Press Secretary Abdul Awal Howlader and officials concerned from both the countries were present on the occasion.