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No difference with US about fair elections: FM


Published : 05 Apr 2023 10:46 PM

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday said that there was no disagreement with the United States about holding transparent and fair elections.

“We want transparent and fair elections. America also wants transparent and fair elections. There is no disagreement between us,” he said, replying to a question on Wednesday after an event at a Dhaka hotel.

Dr Momen will visit Washington from April 7 at the invitation of his counterpart Antony Blinken. The bilateral meeting is scheduled to be held on April 10. This will be his third visit to the US at the invitation of the Secretary of State.

“I must say that we are very lucky. We received his invitation three times in a row,” he said, adding that “America is our greatest friend. They are our biggest investors. It is one of the biggest export destinations.”

Dr Momen said America is the only country that gave more than 100 million vaccines completely free of charge for Covid-19. And they delivered the vaccine at home. After the arrival of the Rohingyas, they stood by us. Other countries are also helping us.

 “America is paying enough attention to our development. And our relationship has improved.” 

He said America wants a transparent, and acceptable election in Bangladesh. However, Awami League's policy is also election. We came to power through elections. When democracy was rejected in 1970-71, we fought for democracy. 

Three million people gave their lives to establish democracy. That's why others need not teach democracy to us. It's in our bones. Democracy is in our blood. We want transparent elections. America also wants transparent elections. We do not disagree with that. We have made transparent ballot boxes. We have formed an independent election commission. They will hold the election. The responsibility of the Election Commission is to conduct transparent and acceptable elections. The government must help the commission. And it will not happen only if the government helps. People, all political parties, and the media should also help them. 

“A fair and transparent election is not possible without the help of all political parties. We believe in the Constitution and the rule of law,” said the foreign minister.