Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal today said the visiting US delegation wants to see the country’s next general elections free, fair and violence-free.
“The delegation told us that they have not come here to encourage any political party or individual. They only expect violence-free and peaceful elections in Bangladesh,” he said after a meeting with the US delegation at the home ministry conference room here.
The delegation, led by US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya and comprised of US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu and US Ambassador in Bangladesh Peter Haas, made a courtesy call on the minister at his
secretariat office here this noon.
Kamal, also a veteran freedom fighter, said during the election, law and order forces will remain under the Election Commission (EC) as per the constitution and they will work as directed by the EC.
Responding to a question about the content of the discussion, he said, “The US delegation did mention about the participatory elections, they wants a free, fair, peaceful, and violence-free elections.”
“We also informed them that our law enforcement forces are trained and ready to assist the Election Commission for holding a peaceful election,” the minister added.
Noting that several elections have already been held peacefully in the country, he said: “I hope that the national elections will also be held in a peaceful manner.”
Replying to another question, the minister said that a fruitful discussion was held between the Prime Minister and the visiting US delegation.
“The US delegation also witnessed a peaceful gathering of the two major political parties yesterday (Wednesday) and they expressed their great satisfaction with the country’s development as it is moving forward under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” he added.
Replying to the question about Rohingyas repatriation, the home minister said that the delegation expressed their firmness to stand beside the government for smooth repatriation of the Rohingya refugees.
