The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The Election Commission is taking steps to facilitate visa processing for foreign observers to help them monitor the coming parliamentary election slated for December 18.

As part of the efforts, the EC will soon send letters to the Home and Foreign Ministries requesting them to take special care so that foreign election observers do not face problems including visa complications.

A delegation from USAID, European Commission (EC), Asia Foundation, International Republican Institute (IRI) and National Democratic Institute (NDI) Sunday had a meeting with the Election Commission at its secretariat to discuss matters relating to visa processing.

Chief Election Commissioner Dr ATM Shamsul Huda, two Election Commissioners, M Sohul Hussain and Brig Gen (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, were present at the meeting.

After the meeting Election Commissioner M Sohul Hussain told reporters that the foreign organizations apprised the Commission of problems in visa processing.

He said EC would soon send letters to both Foreign Ministry and Home Ministry to take steps so that the foreign observers do not face any hassle in getting visa for monitoring the election.

Replying to a question, Sohul said the two leaders, Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, would not face problems in contesting the election if they are not convicted by any court.

"We've told earlier that nobody will have to face problems unless anybody is convicted by the courts," he said.

Asked whether the election schedule might be deferred due to the court hearing on the delimitation issues, Election Commissioner Sakhawat Hossain said the EC has been observing the court proceedings, expecting the resolution of the cases soon.

"Let's wait until November 2 and it can then be said whether the schedule will be deferred or not," he said in reply to a question.