EU wants successful polls, democratic order restored in Bangladesh: Khasru

The European Union (EU) is focused on ensuring that the upcoming national election in Bangladesh is held successfully and the democratic order is restored, BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said.

"They (the EU) are now more focused on making sure the election takes place smoothly. Since they have a major involvement in this election, they want it to be conducted properly and for the democratic order in Bangladesh to be restored," Khasru told reporters today (12 November).

The BNP standing committee member, speaking after a meeting with EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller at the BNP Chairperson's office in Gulshan, also addressed Jamaat's statement that there will be no election without legal recognition of the July Charter.

"Discussions have already been held, consensus reached and the charter signed. We do not know what else remains after that. Once there is dialogue, agreement and signing, there should be nothing left unresolved," he remarked.

When asked whether law and order was discussed with the EU, he said, "Everyone is concerned about law and order; we are too. We expect law enforcement to act more decisively and work actively to resolve the issues." 

Commenting on the Awami League's activities, Khasru said, "The Awami League is not part of the electoral race, not even in the country; their leader is absent as well. So it is not a matter worth discussing." 

Anyone can carry out acts of violence, but it is the government's duty to ensure protection against such activities, he said, adding that law enforcement and intelligence agencies must fulfil their responsibilities.

There is no reason to believe that anyone can disrupt the election through acts of violence, Khasru added.

The BNP-EU meeting began at 11am and was led by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on behalf of the party.