The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Ambassadors from Middle Eastern countries yesterday expressed their optimism that there would be a free, fair and all party participatory elections in the country for establishing an effective parliament and government chosen by the people.

"We the Arab diplomats hope for a fine and peaceful election," Shaher Mohammad, Palestinian Ambassador, told journalists after a meeting with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leaders at the party central office at Moghbazar in the city.

Ambassadors of Egypt, UAE, Morocco, Libya and Charge d' Affaires of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman were present.

Matiur Rahman Nizami, Ameer, Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujaheed, Secretary General, Mohammad Kamaruzzaman and Abdul Qader Molla, Assistant Secretaries General and Tasneem Alam, Publicity Secretary of Jamaat-e- Islami, among others, were present.

"Arab countries will closely work together whatever party comes to power in Bangladesh," Shaher Mohammad said.

When asked whether the diplomats are meddling in the country's politics he said, " We are not interfering into internal matters of this country and the people here are free to choose whatever they prefer".

He, however, said that the support and solidarity of the Arab countries would always be with the people of Bangladesh

Asked whether they discussed about new election schedule with changed date he said it is a matter to be decided by the government and the political parties.

"Ameer of Jamaat told the envoys that we ( Jamaat) want to participate in the election. He also explained to the ambassadors the 4-point demand made by BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia," said Jamaat Secretary General.