US expects participatory elections in BD: Haas

Publish: 6:31 PM, June 9, 2022 | Update: 6:31 PM, June 9, 2022

Safiqul Islam (Jami) : The United States (US) does not have a headache over who won the election in Bangladesh (BD). However, the country is keeping an eye on the elections and the country is expecting a participatory vote. US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Hass told reporters after a courtesy call on Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal on Wednesday (June 8). The ambassador met the CEC at the Election Building on Wednesday afternoon.
Ambassador Peter Haas said, “I repeat, it is not up to us to decide who will win the election.” But we want an election where the people of Bangladesh can choose their representative.
Within three months of his appointment in Bangladesh, the Ambassador paid courtesy visits to various places. At this trend he held a meeting with the CEC as part of this. As well as assuring US cooperation, he is also trying to understand the situation.
The Ambassador said that the Election Commission is very important in the whole election and the election process. Not only the Election Commission but also the government, political parties, media and the people have a role to play in organizing free and fair elections.
After the meeting, CEC Kazi Habibul Awal said that the ambassador did not discuss much about the election. I would like to know how we feel about the election – I gave some briefs about it.
The CEC said the 12th parliamentary elections would be more transparent than before. I hope the next election will be successful with the cooperation of everyone. I will try to make the election fair. I will try to persuade the observers. Attempts will be made to keep CCTV cameras at polling stations. There will be better choices even within the limitations.
He said that even in the opposite positions of the parties, voting would be held in a friendly atmosphere. He also believes that there will be a friendly atmosphere.
Hopefully, there may be a compromise between the political parties. It will understand the political leadership.
The CEC said the US ambassador wanted the election to be free and fair. Suddenly I will sit in dialogue with the parties. One way out is to discuss with them how to be participatory.