Bangladesh foreign secretary on violence in run-up to polls: Welcome observers, not interference

“We are committed to our own domestic processes, our own systems… we are open for international observers… Other countries may have their own prism, but every country will have their own systems,” the Bangladesh Foreign Secretary said on the issue of free and fair elections in the country.

General elections in Bangladesh are scheduled on January 7 and the country has been rocked by violence in the lead up to that.

“Apart from attending the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC), I briefed the Heads of concurrently accredited Missions to Bangladesh based in New Delhi last evening at the Bangladesh High Commission. During the briefing, I also highlighted the foreign policy priorities and dynamics of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” he said.

“I briefed the Ambassadors about Bangladesh’s position on various geopolitical and contemporary issues. I also briefed them about the recent political scenario and the preparedness for the next general elections in Bangladesh,” he said.

Momen said Bangladesh has made economic progress, has “socio-economic and political stability” and the country has growing importance in regional and global platforms. He said he urged envoys to consider opening diplomatic missions in Dhaka.

“Given the socio-economic developments, continued stability and growing importance in the regional and global platforms and engagements with issues of global concern, I requested their respective governments to consider opening diplomatic Missions in Dhaka. I assured them of the Bangladesh government’s cooperation and assistance in facilitating the process,” he said.

India- Bangladesh FOC were held in New Delhi on Friday.