PM hopes opposition to join polls

US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Windy R Sherman meets Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Gono Bhaban in the capital on Monday. Photo: PMO

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday hoped that the opposition political parties will join the next general election as they are now participating in city corporation elections.

Hasina expressed the hope when visiting US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Windy R Sherman met her at her official residence Gono Bhaban.

Bijan Lal Dev, PM's deputy press secretary, briefed reporters after the meeting.

He added that the premier said the next general election of the country will be held as per the Westminster system which is practiced in parliamentary democracies across the world.

She said the opposition parties are participating in the ongoing city corporation elections. "I hope they’ll participate in the next general elections, too."

During the meeting, they discussed garment and Savar and Rohingya issues and US-Bangladesh relationship.

About the recent incidents in the garment sector, Sherman said her country also passed through such kind of situation in the 1900s. "We changed it through the process of transformation and I hope Bangladesh will be able to overcome the situation the similar way."

While discussing the Rohingya issue, the US under secretary, said: "I hope Myanmar government will create necessary conditions for Rohingyas."

Hasina then said Bangladesh is observing the situation.