The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

New British High Commissioner Stephen Evans Sunday said the outcome of the coming general election in Bangladesh would always be doubtful if held with the state of emergency in place.

"General consensus is ideally you do not have the state of emergency when you have general election. It is difficult to hold general election that is free and fair with the state of emergency in place," Evans told his maiden press conference within hours of presenting his credentials to the President.

Responding to a volley of questions concerning the December parliament elections, he said, "We want to see the progress towards the lifting of the state of emergency. So, the goal is clear. It is a goal shared by all stakeholders, including the caretaker government and political parties."

Asked whether the election would be acceptable to the international community if any major party boycotted the polls, Evans said it is not the international community but the people of Bangladesh to accept the outcome of the elections.

He said Britain wants to see an inclusive election, including participation by all political parties, wide range of candidates, greater level of campaign and significant voter turnout.

Expressing his optimism about the holding of general election in December, he said it looks for the moment everything is on track and praised the massive task of preparation of photo voter list.

Welcoming constructive dialogue between the government and the parties, he said the best way to resolve all issues is through a structured dialogue.

Asked about reported torture of politicians in jail custody, the envoy said the British government would never condone torture under any circumstances and wants safety and basic rights of the prisoners.

Asked his comment about one former Prime Minister out and another in jail, Evans said he should not comment about it as the legal process is underway. However, he noted that the legal process should be taken forward in a fashion that respects the rights of individuals and allows them to defend them appropriately in the court of law when time arises.

About the curbs on free media, the envoy said he would urge the Bangladesh authorities to ensure that the press freedom is protected and those who work for the media are protected.

"A free, responsible and vibrant media is a vital institution in such democracies-an institution to be valued and nurtured. A free media is a vibrant media," he said.

Evans hoped that the media, in return, would rise to the challenge of encouraging constructive participation by all parties in the democratic process, offering objective, balanced and critical analysis in the run-up to the election, preserving the democratic reforms and encouraging all stakeholders to work together to secure Bangladesh the stability, political maturity and development opportunities that people deserve.

On British aid to Bangladesh, he said UK's Department for International Development intends to scale up its contribution to $ 300 million by 2010 from current $ 228 million a year.

Asked about the prospect of British assistance in case elections cannot be held as per roadmap and democracy cannot be restored, he said the aid programs function effectively under a democratic government that can ensure the delivery of the aid for targeted people.

He would not speculate about appearance of military figures in case the elections cannot be held on time. "Let's get to December, let's get to elections. Let's work together for peaceful transition to democratically elected government."

In reply to a question, he said the best antidote to terrorism is democracy and free press. Britain and Bangladesh will continue to work together to counter the threat from those who see to profit from divisions, suspicion and violence and to address the root causes of extremism, both here and around the world.

British Deputy High Commissioner Duncan Norman, British Council Director Dr June Rollinson and DFID Deputy Country Representative Sarah Sanyahumbi also made remarks at the press conference.

About the Climate Change conference in London, Sarah Sanyahumbi said the British government organizes the conference on September 10 to draw international attention to Bangladesh facing adverse impacts of the changing climate.