UN delegates due Dec 6

Taranco

UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Oscar Fernandez-Taranco arrives in Dhaka on December 6 on a five-day visit to discuss with stakeholders the ongoing political crisis and next general election.
He is expected to carry a special message of the UN secretary general for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia on holding the next parliamentary election in a “free, fair, inclusive and credible” manner, a highly placed source told The Daily Star yesterday.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is sending the “political mission”, comprised of senior officials from the UN Department of Political Affairs (DPA) and experts, with the mandates to encourage dialogue among the major parties to ensure an environment “conducive to credible and peaceful election”, according to diplomatic sources.
This will be Fernandez-Taranco’s third visit to Bangladesh in twelve months since he first came here on December 10 last year, followed by the second trip on May 10 this year.
During his stay in the capital, Taranco will meet the two top leaders, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad, Foreign Minister Mahmud Ali and Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque.
He will also hold talks with the members of civil society and international community to foster dialogue among political parties ahead of the next national election.
Meanwhile, UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Neal Walker yesterday had a meeting with the foreign secretary at the latter’s office. They discussed the visit of the UN mission.
On August 23, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon made phone calls to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Opposition Leader Khaleda Zia urging them to hold talks for a peaceful resolution of the ongoing political crisis.
The UN chief on October 31 expressed concern about the latest wave of deadly violence in Bangladesh. He called on all concerned to respect the rule of law, exercise restraint and express their views peacefully.
He also called all parties for holding dialogue to ensure an environment “conducive to credible and peaceful election.”