The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Mcdougall yesterday said his country would send poll observers during the upcoming general elections.

"We are watching the activities of the Election Commission", he said adding for ensuring fair polls the government of Canada had already supplied over 2.40 lakh transparent ballot boxes.

The Canadian High Commissioner told this to the reporters after his meeting with Awami League President and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her Sudha Sadan residence here.

Robert Mcdougall, the newly appointed envoy of Canada, said that they have wide range of discussions on various issues relating to bilateral interest between the two countries.

Replying to a question, he said, "I am still a fresher in Bangladesh, and already came to know from newspaper reports various aspects of the forthcoming election of the country".

Avoiding direct reply to another question on state of emergency, the high commissioner hoped that a free, fair and transparent election would be held in Bangladesh.

Briefing the reporters about the hour-long meeting with the Canadian envoy, Hasina's Special Assistant Dr Hassan Mahmud said the former prime minister laid importance on more Canadian investments in Bangladesh.

Sheikh Hasina said Canada could play a significant role for ensuring food safety and boosting Bangladesh's energy sector.

About migration, the AL president requested the Canadian government through the High Commissioner to ease the immigration rules for Bangladeshi professionals intending to go there.

She also briefed the High Commissioner about her party's preparation for the December 18 general elections.

Mahmud said Sheikh Hasina is the first political leader of the country who raised the issue of transparent ballot box and thanked the Canadian government for supplying transparent ballot boxes.

He quoted Sheikh Hasina, as saying if voted to power her party would work jointly with the Canadian government in combating terrorism.

Sheikh Hasina's Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad was present during the meeting.