UK expects inclusive, transparent national polls
The EU says it will closely observe the next national elections due in 2023 while the UK expects an inclusive and transparent polls, saying that the country has shown sustainability of democracy, but there is an opportunity to go even further.
"As Bangladesh approaches its next election period, the constitution emphasises on both transparency and due process...," UK minister Lord Tariq Ahmad hopes at a talk on "Bangladesh-UK: Partners in Progress" at the Foreign Service Academy yesterday.
Lord Tariq, who arrived in Dhaka yesterday on a three-day visit to attend the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) ministerial meeting on November 17, spoke elaborately on the solid relationships between the two countries and the growing importance of Bangladesh in the region and on the global stage.
He lauded Bangladesh's socio-economic development and assured that the two countries will continue to forge the partnership to uphold and improve development and human rights both here, in the UK and beyond.
Lord Tariq said Bangladesh's founding values are an example to the world. Those are very farsighted, guarantees rights of freedom of all Bangladeshis, and stress the importance of human rights.
"We stand with those who promote respect and tolerance between communities … I do hope and believe that … inshallah the citizens of Bangladesh will have an open and vigorous debate about the country's directions," said Lord Tariq, minister of state for South Asia, UN and the Commonwealth.
He said inclusive politics is essential for every country's prospect -- something that Bangladesh's Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman knew very well.
"Bangladesh has today built something quite remarkable. Yet, no country progresses by sitting on its laurels. There is an opportunity for this great nation to go even further."
He said Bangladesh has shown sustainability of democracy, the pillars of democracy are being strengthened, but always there are needs to work on, call it in UK or Bangladesh, he said.
EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley said they will be following the next general election very closely because the international community is "very interested" in what happens in Bangladesh.
"Why we'll be following it very closely is not because we want to interfere, but the international community is very interested in what happens in Bangladesh," he said at "DCAB Talk" in a city hotel.
Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh, (DCAB) President Pantho Rahaman and General Secretary AKM Moinuddin also spoke at the event.
"I think the bottom line is in any election, average citizens wake up the day after the election and see the results and say my vote is counted," said the EU diplomat.
£54M EDUCATION HELP
During the talks, marking the 50 years of UK-Bangladesh relationship, Lord Tariq said the UK is working to strengthen the ties with Bangladesh in terms of trade, education, climate change and more.
"We must work together so that economic development does not come at the cost of the planet. It is now the time to act now, not tomorrow," he said.
He assured that the UK would continue to stand with Bangladesh in urgently finding ways to a solution to the Rohingya crisis, stressing the need for accountability as well as repatriation.
Lord Tariq announced that the UK will provide £54 million to ensure disadvantaged girls and young people have access to quality education. Nearly half a million children will be benefited by it.
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