Australia supports credible polls in Bangladesh: Khosru

Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle on Thursday said her country is keen to support Bangladesh in holding a free and fair national election.

“There has been discussion on the election in Bangladesh with importance. Australia is providing significant assistance in this regard, particularly to the Election Commission, and they are continuing with that support,” said BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury.

He said Australia wants to see a fair and credible election take place in Bangladesh. “Australia will continue its support in this regard.”

Khosru made the remarks while briefing reporters after the Australian High Commissioner paid a courtesy call on BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

The hour-long meeting that began around 4pm was held at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office.

Apart from Amir Khosru, BNP Organising Secretary Shama Obaed was also present at the meeting.

During the meeting, Khosru said discussions were held on various issues, including bilateral relations between the two countries, trade and commerce, and the election.

“There was a discussion on the relationship between the two countries. The areas of potential cooperation, particularly in sectors like education and agriculture, were discussed,” he said, adding that they also talked about increasing Australian investment in Bangladesh.

“The issues faced by Bangladeshi immigrants in Australia also came up for discussion, along with possible ways to solve those problems,” he said.

Khosru said they also discussed the overall political situation in Bangladesh and the country’s progress towards democratic transition following a political change last year.

Khosru said the people of Bangladesh, especially the youth, had been unable to exercise their right to vote in the last three elections. “So, the people across the country are now eagerly waiting to cast their votes.”

He said both Australia and BNP believe there will be a huge voter turnout in the next election, and voters of all ages and genders will go to the polling stations with enthusiasm. “It will be a good election through which an elected government will come to power, helping to move forward the transition to democracy.”

Replying to a question, Khosru said the Australian envoy did not offer any suggestions regarding the reform process in Bangladesh. “As before, BNP is taking the lead in initiating reforms this time.”

He said BNP presented a 31-point reform proposal with a pledge to implement it by forming a national government.

The BNP leader said all previous elections in Bangladesh had been held in a fair and credible atmosphere under neutral caretaker governments, reports UNB. 

He said there was no reason for concern about the upcoming national election, as political parties and the people were committed to ensuring a stable environment for voting.