The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Influential British MP and former Minister Keith Vaz, who is leading a parliamentary delegation, has said the forthcoming general elections are probably the most important in Bangladesh's history to "break the cycle of despair" and make "a new beginning."

"The rest of the world particularly British look for a peaceful election in which Bangladesh can elect a new government. So, it is important to Bangladeshi people," he told UNB.

Vaz, who is chairman of the select committee on UK's Home Affairs, said Bangladesh has a key role to play in world affairs because of its size and its talented people. "And we want Bangladesh to be back in international winning side."

Asked how important is the December 18 polls to Bangladesh-Britain relationship, he said: "It's very important; probably it's the most important election in Bangladesh history. I think people will go to vote and make the government of their choice."

Asked why Britain considers this election as most important, Vaz, a former state minister for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said:

"Because it is time to break the cycle of despair. I think whole country wants a fresh start, a new beginning."

Asked about some uncertainty about the elections under the state of emergency, he said Bangladesh does not need advice from British politicians and "I am sure it will get its own act together and decide for itself in a proper way."

Asked about certain concerns about the credibility of the elections under the emergency, the British parliamentarian said it is the Bangladeshi people and the government to decide what is best for them.

Vaz, who was elected five times to the House of Commons from Labour Party, said: "I just want to have peaceful election, just want to see there is an election."

Asked if the elections could not be held as scheduled on December 18, he said: "I think everybody will be disappointed. Because, we are looking forward to see a new government is being elected."

Vaz said the caretaker government has done extremely well "but it has to move on."

The parliamentary delegation arrived here Monday after a visit to India to examine the impact of the UK government's worldwide plans for a new points-based migration system and the introduction of new sponsorship arrangements. The system made uncertain the recruitment of chefs from Bangladesh for popular curry industry in Britain.

Replying to a question, Vaz said there are some concerns in newspapers like Curry Life and among other Bangladeshi individuals about the shortage of chefs in UK's curry industry. The Migration Advisory Committee recently published a report about the shortage of chefs.

He was critical of new Immigration Minister Phil Woolas for his reported comments favoring cap (limit) on immigration to Britain. "This is quite a dramatic shift in the government policy," he said, adding "we've never supported a cap, never supported a quota system." Vaz said there is no cap under the point-based immigration system. "This is a very new development," he said, adding the Immigration Minister should clarify his comments before the select committee as soon as possible in order to go through these issues. He favoured recruitment of skilled workforce from outside Europe as he said population in Europe is declining.