The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

British State Minister for Asia, Africa and the UN Lord Mark Malloch Brown said everybody recognizes the state of emergency should be lifted before the elections and urged political parties and the caretaker government to resolve the issue through a pre-poll consensus.

"I don't think anybody wants to conduct these elections under the state of emergency and everybody recognizes that the emergency should be lifted as elections without emergency will enjoy greater legitimacy and credibility at home and abroad," he told a crowded media conference at the residence of British High Commissioner yesterday wrapping up his 2-day visit.

However, Brown noted, one has to recognize the government has issues and political parties have to help themselves so the emergency is lifted through addressing the sticking-points.

The issues he came to know from the powers that be are: first of all, people who were convicted in corruption cases should not be allowed to stand for election to parliament and secondly comes public security during the conduct of elections when there are always risks of volatility and violence.

These two issues could be addressed through discussions between political parties and the caretaker government and the election commission and the emergency could be lifted on the basis of agreement on these two issues, he said. "I got the view from all sides that this is the best solution," said Brown, who had series of meetings with government functionaries and political leaders, civil society and human-right defenders during his short stay in Dhaka.

In reply to a question, the British Minister said since the two

former Prime Ministers-Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina-are not convicted, there should not be anything to prevent them from contesting the polls.

Asked about his impression about Awami League and BNP regarding their participation in the elections, he said they are all anxious to participate in the election on December 18 but concerned about the state of emergency.

He noted that Awami League has already sought for registration, but BNP remains as a question mark regarding the registration. He hoped the BNP would get registered by the extended deadline (October 20).

The British Minister had a suggestion for the politicians in the quagmire amid sweeping changes in the interim period: the parties can sit down with the caretaker government and the election commission to sort out any genuine concern and come to an agreement on how law and order to be maintained.

"If those underlying issues could be solved, can I suspect that the state of emergency becomes redundant and unnecessary? And I don't think anybody should use it and wave around to prevent participation in the election," he told the journalists at the news conference.

Asked about acceptability of the elections if BNP boycotted, he said obviously, it would be real disappointment for all people who hope for a stable democracy in Bangladesh. "I don't think there is any reason to do that. I hope both the major parties will participate, and their concern needs to be addressed to create a level playing field for all."

Asked UK's future relations with Bangladesh if the elections could not take place on schedule, Brown said it is absolutely vital for the UK that this government would hold the election by the end of this year and should preserve its caretaker character by returning the country to democracy.

He viewed that the caretaker government has done its part and it is the responsibility of political parties to pick up the button and move the country forward.

He said political parties, whoever in government or opposition, should have greater degrees of consensus for the good of the country and keep their level of disagreement within reasonable bounds.

Secondly, he said, it needs higher degree of accountability to prevent corruption and deliver to the people. Bangladesh needs strong government as well as strong opposition in parliament to allow democracy to work.

Asked about his meeting with the army chief this morning, Brown said General Moeen is keen to see the elections happen on December 18. He feels army played its part in preparing voters' list. He is looking to political parties to play their part. "He is anxious to do everything he can" to have a legitimate election.

Regarding observation of the elections by the UK and the European Union, he said they want to make sure that this election is given international support and observations to reassure Bangladeshis that the election is indeed free and fair.

In reply to another question, Brown said he understands the strains

journalists faced under the state of emergency and hoped that this strain would be gone with the return to party politics and elected government as he said, "We oppose any limit on press freedom as press is the key source of information."

Asked if he noticed any sense of uncertainty about safe exist for the people in government and outside in the wake of anti-corruption drive or any backlash after the polls, Brown smiled and said: "I didn't."

He observed that Bangladesh has a dismal picture of corruption according to TIB. Instead of settling score, he said, the next government should not lose momentum in carrying forward the anti-corruption drive.

Brown viewed that the best way of resolving problem of corruption is to be absolutely respectful to the rule of law and justice.

British High Commissioner Stephen Evans was present at the press conference.