DHAKA: Canada accepted Bangladesh national polls held on January 5 as it followed constitution but the country expressed its unhappiness to the lower presence of voters.

Canada high commissioner to Bangladesh Heather Cruden commented at a meeting with Diplomatic Correspondent Association of Bangladesh (DCAB) at the VIP Lounge in National Press Club in city on Monday.

The envoy said we had accepted the January 5 national polls in Bangladesh as it was held according to the country’s constitution. But Canada is unhappy because most of the MPs of the Parliament were not elected in direct votes.

On Bangladesh ready-made garment (RMG) sector, Cruden said this sector has employed a good number of people. Now, more attention is needed to improve the quality of this sector.

Regarding the deportation of Bangabandhu murder case convict Nur Chowdhury, the Canadian high commissioner said that the privacy law of his country is tougher than any other countries. Besides, it depends on Canada’s judiciary.

Commenting on the recent Israeli attacks on Gaza, Cruden said Israel has the right of self-defense. But Canada supports two-sate solution. He termed Hamas a terrorist group.

However, the diplomat condemned Crimea’s annexation by Russia saying it illegal.

The program was attended by DCAB president Mainul Alam and general secretary Angur Nahar Monty, among others.

BDST: 1358 HRS, AUG 11, 2014