Prime Minister urges the Commonwealth to send observers to watch the upcoming elections

News Desk:  Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called on the Commonwealth to send election observers at various levels to observe the upcoming parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Patricia Scotland made this call when she paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister in London. 

Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen said in a press briefing at Claridge's Hotel in London on Sunday afternoon that our Prime Minister raised the issue of elections and offered to send election observers at different levels from the Commonwealth to monitor the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Momen also said that in response, the Commonwealth Secretary General said that they want to help Bangladesh in a peaceful, fair and participatory general election. Baroness Patricia Scotland said they had helped organize fair elections in some of the organization's member countries. She (Patricia Scotland) said, in that case, all political parties need a political commitment that they will participate in the elections, accept the results of the elections and not resort to violence if they win or lose the elections.

They said they wanted to help us (in holding free and fair elections) and we welcomed them," Momen said. We also want elections to be held in a free and fair manner. The Commonwealth Secretary General has offered to train election officials in Bangladesh at the district level as in the past.

The foreign minister said that apart from elections, artificial intelligence, climate, mental health and digital connectivity issues were discussed in the meeting.

He said that the Prime Minister has expressed his interest that Bangladesh wants to lead in artificial intelligence from next June. Bangladesh is now leading business-oriented events with Commonwealth businesses. The Commonwealth Secretary General agreed on these issues.

Prime Minister's speech writer M Nazrul Islam and High Commissioner of Bangladesh to UK Saida Muna Tasnim and others were present.

 

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