The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

United Nations (UN) Resident Representative Renata Lok Dessallien yesterday said all political parties in Bangladesh needed to be allowed to conduct their normal election activities for a free and fair election on December 18.

Renata also said the UN wants the December 18 general election of Bangladesh to be held as per the schedule and the participation of all parties in it is a must for peaceful handover of power.

Emerging with a UN delegation from a meeting with the Awami League's sub-committee on Foreign Affairs at its chairman Faruque Chowdhury's residence, Renata said the UN's main concern is a peaceful election in Bangladesh.

Asked through which process the government can allow the political parties to continue their normal election activities, she said the path has to be found out through talks between the parties and the government.

She also said it is up to the government how it would organize such a facility for the political parties.

Sought comments whether the UN has any doubt about holding of the December 18 election in time, Renata said the UN is fully hopeful and confident that the general election would be held in time and all the political parties would take part in it.

She said the December 18 election might be a historic era for Bangladesh, and the government and political parties must work together to make the polls a success.

About the disagreement between the government and the political parties over some issues like emergency state, she hoped that innovative solutions to the problems would be found as per requirements.

Renata said they would sit with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) tomorrow (Saturday) with the same agenda.

Renata said today's meeting was part of their series of dialogue with the political parties, civil society and government officials to get a clear understanding about the prospect and problems of the upcoming elections.

She said UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon is likely to visit Bangladesh in November next and their ongoing talks with various sections of people is part of the preparation of the UN secretary general's visit.