UK minister calls for restraint

Expressing concern over reported interference and irregularities in the recently held upazila polls, the UK yesterday called on all political parties to refrain from violence, intimidation and confrontation.
“I was particularly disturbed by reports that the minority communities were targeted, both pre- and post-election, and continued to suffer from harassment. There were also reports of alleged extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances,” UK Minister for International Development Alan Duncan told a press conference in the capital.
He termed the January 5 national elections in Bangladesh “unusual” but “legitimate”. The UK, however, wants to work with the present government closely focusing on people's needs, he added.
“We want to see a perfect democracy free of violence…. We want to help Bangladesh address its needs through our development programmes,” said Duncan at the end of his three-day visit to Bangladesh.
About the current status of BNP Senior Vice-chairman Tarique Rahman in the UK, he said any decision on repatriating the BNP leader will be made as per British law.
The UK minister said he has respect for Bangladesh's political system and its polls results. However, the last national election was of course unusual as a major party did not contest it, he mentioned.
Proper democracy, he added, requires election of people in a free, fair and trusted election to govern the country. Those who are elected are entrusted with the power to govern, but are held accountable for the way they govern, noted the UK leader.
Duncan said he would tell Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that political stability is important for the economic growth of this country and it is time to look ahead, not to focus on a political battle.
The prime minister should ensure an enlightened government for the good of the people and she has opportunity to do so, he observed.
He stressed the need for a free press which is an essential part of democracy. “You [journalists] are part of that free press. And given the unusual structure of an election, it gives you an even greater responsibility for running reports and analysis in your newspapers.”