Government working to make upcoming election participatory, says PM Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said the government is working to make sure the 11th national election is participatory, free and fair.

Sumon Mahbub, from New Yorkbdnews24.com
Published : 25 Sept 2018, 07:42 AM
Updated : 25 Sept 2018, 07:42 AM

The prime minister said this while speaking to British Foreign and Commonwealth Minister Jeremy Hunt in a courtesy meeting on Monday at the UN Headquarters, Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque told reporters after the meeting.

“They expect a participatory, free and fair election in Bangladesh,” Haque said citing Hunt.

In response, the prime minister said her government was working to make sure the election is held in a free and fair manner, according to Haque.

Hasina also discussed the Rohingya issue with the British minister, he said.

Hunt asked the prime minister what prevents the Rohingyas to return to their homeland, he said.

Myanmar is not taking any active measure to repatriate the Rohingyas despite signing the repatriation treaty, Hasina told the British minister, according to the foreign secretary.

“Jeremy Hunt also asked if the Rohingyas should return to Myanmar as the mass killing is still reportedly taking place,” said Haque.

“Rohingyas can return to their homeland if a secured environment is created for them,” Haque quoted the prime minister as saying.

Hasina mentioned the temporary shelter for Rohingyas in Bhashanchar and sought assistance from other countries, including the UK.