Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said to United Kingdom's (UK) Foreign Minister James Cleverly that the Awami League (AL) government also wants free and fair elections in Bangladesh.

She remarked while the UK's Foreign Minister James Cleverly along with his wife Susannah Sparks called on her in London.

PM said, “We also want fair elections. My party always maintains democracy in the country. We have given the country’s democracy a strong footing.” 

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen quoted PM while briefing reporters after their meeting held at the bilateral meeting room of Sheikh Hasina’s Palace of Residence, The Claridge Hotel on Saturday (local time).

Briefing the newsmen at the hotel, the foreign minister said the UK foreign minister has talked about the upcoming general election in Bangladesh and they want a fair election to be held in the country.

In response, the Bangladesh prime minister said, “We’re committed to hold a fair election. It requires participation of all and I want cooperation from all to hold a fair poll.”

She said the AL government has done everything required to hold a fair election that includes introducing a voter list with photographs and transparent ballot boxes as none can manipulate the polls.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, PM’s Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah, PM’s Speechwriter M Nazrul Islam and Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida  Muna Tasneem, among others, were present at the briefing.

BDST: 1008 HRS, MAY 07, 2023
MSK