The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

It is very difficult but not impossible to hold free and fair elections under the state of emergency, visiting UK Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Hazel Blears has said.

"It is very difficult to have elections with state of emergency…But I don't think it's impossible to have a free and fare election if there is a state of emergency," she said at a press conference yesterday afternoon at the residence of the British High Commissioner in Dhaka.

Responding to a volley of questions on the subject, Blears said there might be some compromise on the issue of emergency, as people feel strongly about it while there might be some constrains on the government in terms of safety and security.

"The caretaker government has said that they want to gradually lift the state of emergency. I would certainly support them in taking those steps," she said.

The British minister said there needs to be a balance between safety and security, and "It's important for elections to be free and fair."

She said the lifting of the state of emergency would depend on how safe it is and what the conditions are like at the time.

"It's a matter for the government to take those decisions and the government will do it in the best interests of those people who will be participating in the election."

She said it is important to press the government to lift the emergency, but "I would not say that a free and fair election is simply ruled out because you got a state of emergency."

Blears said the government is keen to gradually lift the emergency, but at the same time the issue of providing safety and security is also on their minds. "I think it's a very reasonable balance."

She said a safe and secure environment needs to be ensured during the elections; otherwise, elections would not be free and fair and there would be intimidation and violence that nobody wants.

"So in that spirit, I would like to see election take place. That may mean some compromise on that issue."

She added: "I know how strongly people feel here. They want it to be completely lifted so elections can take place without state of emergency in existence."

Replying to a query, Blears said she got assurances from the Chief Adviser and the Home Adviser that general elections would definitely be held before the end of this year. "I sensed a genuine commitment."

She reiterated UK's encouragement for all sides in Bangladesh to engage constructively in democratic processes for a smooth transition to an elected government in 2008 and to commit to furthering reforms for sustainable democracy.

About the climate change, she said that rising of sea level, melting of icecaps in the Himalayas and rising of rivers could threaten up to 15 percent of landscape of Bangladesh. "It's important to mobilize the whole of international community on this agenda."

On human rights, Blears said it is hugely important that people are treated in accordance with the rule of law and their human rights are respected.

About tackling extremism, she said that in order to tackle extremism and terrorism, it is important to tackle poverty, injustice and discrimination. She also emphasized on decent education for poor people with no good prospect.