Dhaka: UK wants a fair election in Bangladesh in the future. In response to such expectations of the country, Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has asked for everyone’s cooperation. He said, ‘We also want a fair and beautiful election with everyone.
During a courtesy meeting with visiting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Hotel Claridge’s in London on Saturday (May 6), UK Foreign Minister James Cleverley said that his country wants to see a fair election in Bangladesh. Then the Prime Minister told him these things.
After the meeting, Foreign Minister Dr. Claridge Hotel. AK Abdul Momen briefed the journalists. In the meeting, apart from the upcoming elections of Bangladesh, business and trade of the two countries, bilateral relations, Rohingya issue and other matters of mutual interest were discussed.
Talking about the election, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said, “The British Foreign Minister talked about the upcoming elections in Bangladesh. They also want a fair election. Regarding the election, Sheikh Hasina told him, ‘We also want a fair and beautiful election. And my party (Awami League) has always upheld democracy’.”
The foreign minister said, ‘Sheikh Hasina said, we have created a strong state of democracy in Bangladesh. We also promise we want a fair election. However, fair elections must be done with everyone. In that case, it is better if others help us.’
Highlighting the contribution of Awami League to strengthen the electoral system of Bangladesh, the Prime Minister said, ‘The Awami League government has done everything to make the elections transparent and beautiful. During BNP there were 1 crore 23 lakh fake votes, to prevent those fake votes biometric photo ID, preparation of voter list with photo, transparent ballot box has been introduced so that no one can insert ballot in the box earlier.’
He said, ‘And a very independent and strong election commission has been created. Apart from that, all kinds of institutional structures have been made transparent.’
Appreciating Britain’s democratic system, the Prime Minister said, ‘We believe in the democratic system in Westminster. Like Westminster, I have introduced a Prime Minister’s Question and Answer session in my country. Following the British system, Prime Minister’s Question and Answer in Parliament has been introduced every Wednesday in Bangladesh.
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverley thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for attending the coronation ceremony of King Charles III.
The British Foreign Minister praised Bangladesh. James Cleverley especially praised the economic progress of Bangladesh under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina. Praising the Bangladeshis living in the UK, the British Foreign Minister said, ‘Many people from Bangladesh live in this country. They are doing very well.’
Regarding the commercial relations between the two countries, James Cleverley said, ‘The relationship between Bangladesh and the British is very deep. Our relationship is growing in all aspects of business and trade. That relationship has grown tremendously over the past few years.’
Highlighting Bangladesh’s good relations with the United Kingdom, Sheikh Hasina said, ‘We have very good relations with the British government. Bangabandhu first came to London after coming out of jail. Then the Prime Minister of this country welcomed him with great respect. And since then, good relations between Bangladesh and the UK.’
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid tribute to late Queen Elizabeth II of Britain. Sheikh Hasina said, ‘The queen always kept track of her and her younger sister (Sheikh Rehana).’
