Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain has clarified that there is no need for advice from neighboring countries on how to hold elections in Bangladesh. According to him, the interim government is confident of organizing a free, fair and participatory election and is working towards that goal.
Talking to reporters at the Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday (December 17), he said that India has not raised any objection during the mock elections in the last 15 years. In that context, Delhi’s ‘advice’ on the elections is unacceptable. “We know what needs to be done,” he said, “Our goal is that people can vote without any hindrance and the person they support gets elected.”
The foreign affairs advisor said that such diplomatic exchanges – summoning the Indian High Commissioner and later summoning the Bangladesh High Commissioner in New Delhi – are not unusual. However, he considered public statements and advice on the election inappropriate.
Commenting on Sheikh Hasina, he said, “It is only natural that Bangladesh would seek redress if a person convicted of crimes against humanity stays in a neighboring country and makes provocative statements.”
Comparing India’s position with that of the United States and the European Union, he said Bangladesh is in regular contact with its Western partners and they are keen to send observers. However, attempts to impose conditions on the elections through public statements are unacceptable.
The Foreign Affairs Advisor’s statement is clear – the upcoming elections are Bangladesh’s internal matter, and Bangladesh will take responsibility for ensuring their quality and credibility.