The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

US ambassador James F. Moriarty yesterday hoped that a free, fair and credible parliamentary election would be held on December 18 with the participation of all the political parties for restoring democracy in the country.

"We categorically hope that a free and fair national election will be held on December 18 in Bangladesh. We think the people of the country will spontaneously participate in the national polls," he said.

James F. Moriarty made this remark while talking to reporters after a meeting with Awami League Chief and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasian at her Sudha Sadan residence in Dhanmondi.

Moriarty also expressed his concern on BNP's threat to boycott the December 18 polls and said the political parties and the political leaders should reach a consensus by negotiation for the sake of free, fair and credible parliamentary polls. "The government should take proper initiative to resolve this problem," he added.

" If the national election is deferred from December 18, it will then be uncertain the when the election will be held," he noted.

He said, "During the meeting we discussed about US election, Bangladesh's parliamentary election and present political and economic situation of the two countries."

AL acting General Secretary Syed Ashraful Isalm said, " We discussed about different political and economic issues including electoral atmosphere, withdrawal of state of emergency and the views of the US Government in Bangladesh's parliamentary polls. We have reached in a consensus that the national election should be held on December18."

Ashraf also hoped to prevent corruption, to eradicate poverty and to keep the price of daily essentials within buying capacity of the people, if AL is voted to power.

About the BNP's threat to boycott election he replied, "there may be some demands of any political party. But it does not mean the boycott of election. We know that BNP is taking preparation for participating in the election."

He also called on to stop mud slinging and to participate in the December election for the sake of restoration democracy in the country.

He categorically said that there was no chance to refrain from the election and any conspiracy to foil the election would be resisted.

Dr. Hasan Mahmud, special assistant to Sheikh Hasina, Dr Dipu Moni, Women Affair Secretary of AL, among others, were present in the meeting.