12 Commonwealth countries may send polls observers: Quader
"Despite so much propaganda, the Commonwealth representatives have shown interest in the elections. This is a positive thing," he said
Twelve Commonwealth member nations may send observers during the upcoming 12th National Sangsad polls, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said.
"It seems, through the discussions, that 12 Commonwealth member nations will send an observer team to monitor the 12th national elections," he said after a meeting with representatives of the Commonwealth pre-election assessment mission at Awami League's Tejgaon office on Wednesday.
The Commonwealth team arrived in Dhaka on 18 November on a five-day visit to observe the situation leading up to the 12th parliamentary election scheduled for 7 January next year.
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"Despite so much propaganda, the Commonwealth representatives have shown interest in the elections. Talking to them, it seems that they may send observers. It is a positive thing," he added.
Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, said the election would not be one-sided just because the BNP said they would walk out of the polls.
"Many parties will take part in the election. The decision for the elections cannot revolve around one party," he added.
Mentioning that the BNP's decision regarding participation in the polls is their democratic choice, he said, "The Awami League is in favour of peaceful elections."
Asked about the opinions of foreign observers, Quader said, "I have not heard any negative opinion from the foreigners so far. We are not too bothered by their opinions either."
