The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Reiterating his country's support for the Caretaker Government steps to elections before the end of the year, British Secretary of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs David Miliband, MP, yesterday said Bangladesh was smoothly heading towards democracy.

Addressing a crowded press conference at the residence of the British High Commissioner in Dhaka concluding his two-day official visit, he said his country encourages positive and constructive dialogue between the Caretaker Government and the political parties.

Replying to questions, Miliband said the outcome of the dialogue is a mutual responsibility of the Caretaker Government and the political parties. He said, "Right now, Bangladesh and its people are striving to achieve a democracy that will endure."

British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury conducted the press conference.

He said the success in the endeavour would be vital for Bangladesh's future stability, development and prosperity. "All have a stake in this. Therefore, all have a responsibility towards the process of reforming and strengthening democracy," the High Commissioner said.

David Miliband was assured by the Bangladesh Army Chief that the military would remain separated from politics, helping the nation's speedy transition to genuine democracy.

He observed that it is an important year for Bangladesh for speedy transition to genuine democracy through free and fair elections.

"I was struck by the commitment and sincerity of the Chief Adviser and others I had discussions with to return to democracy and democratic rule," he told a pre-departure crowded media conference at the residence of the British High Commissioner in the evening.

Miliband yesterday had separate meetings with Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed and Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed, visited voter list preparation in Mymensingh and a DFID funded project in Sirajganj district.

Earlier, on Friday he had separate meetings with Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury and three Election Commissioners, including Chief Election Commissioner Dr ATM Shamsul Huda.

David Miliband said he also encouraged the proposed dialogue between the caretaker government and the political parties.

"We would look at all sides to respond and participate positively, for achieving inclusive elections and reach a consensus over reforms, which can help sustain democracy in Bangladesh," he said.

He also reminded mutual responsibilities of the Caretaker Government, political parties, civil society and free media to contribute to the transition to full democracy.

The British Minister said his country as a close friend of Bangladesh and its people support the commitment to the process and ambition for transparent, inclusive and fair elections of the highest standard.

He said, "We have encouraged the elections at the earliest opportunity before the end of 2008 - we support the restoration of the full democratic process as soon as feasible."

Miliband said the election process is progressing and the commitment and enthusiasm of the Caretaker Government, the election commission and the people are very encouraging.

In this context, he expressed satisfaction over the process of the voter registration to which his country has contributed US$ 22 million.

Describing 2008 as a very important year for politics of Bangladesh, Miliband said he was impressed by seriousness of professionalism of the EC and the army as regards voter registration.

He said building up institutions to strengthen democracy is important and his country remains focussed on holding a free and fair elections in Bangladesh.

He told a questioner that UK was following the proceedings of the trials carefully. "The trial of the two top leaders need to be carried out in a transparent manner."

Responding to a question on misuse of aid in some countries, he said his country attaches great importance to accountability so that taxpayers money cannot be misused anywhere.

UK's commitment, he said, is to work with politicians and business people of Bangladesh. Responding to questions on lifting of the emergency, he said, he hoped the message of his country has been well received.

He also visited a UK DFID-funded project to help the poorest and most vulnerable adapt to the threat of climate change in the country's chars.

Miliband recalled his meetings with Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Chief Election Commissioner Dr ATM Shamsul Huda and Chief of Army Staff General Moeen U Ahmed. He described his talks with them useful.

Asked whether he got any specific indication of timeline of lifting the state of emergency during his discussions, the British foreign minister said, "We think it is important to lift the state of emergency to all intent possible and the message is received as well."

About transparency in trial process under the current purge, he said they want charges and cases are dealt with without any deterrent and without any discrimination and law applied without fear or favour, without considering one's position in society.

In reply to a question, he said Britain is not monitoring but carefully following up the cases to see due process is upheld and law is applied without any discrimination.

Asked how Britain justifies a non-elected Government, Miliband said UK's foreign policy is to build on strong and sustainable institutions rather than backing individuals.

Particularly in Bangladesh, he noted, Britain supports at all stages speedy establishment of democracy.

"In our discussions with the Caretaker Government in last 13 months, we have always been focussed not on how they came into power but how they can get out of power and how a clean, fair and effective democracy can be achieved in Bangladesh," said Miliband, at the end of his two-day tour.

The British Foreign Secretary did not subscribe to the notion of national unity government and said it is important to ensure democracy takes its roots. He said after the elections, the major party and the opposition can cooperate if they feel the need.

About his talks with Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed, he said the discussion focussed on democracy, constitution, democratic rule, independent army separated from politics and army's role in UN peacekeeping missions.

He said General Moeen assured that the Army would remain separated from the politics.

David Miliband, who came here Friday from Afghanistan, said his visit to Dhaka was based on four themes-politics, governance, the rule of law and human rights, economic development, climate change, and tackling extremism.

Hoping that his visit would open up a 'new partnership', the British Minister said he came to Bangladesh as a friend but was returning to Britain as a greater friend.

Asked about adverse impacts of climate change on Bangladesh, he said since Bangladesh is a vulnerable country, it should get international support to adaptation.

About extremism, he said it is important that Britain and Bangladesh should work together to tackle political extremism and terrorism.