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Diplomatic Correspondent/

All levels of the United States have urged for free and fair elections in Bangladesh. Foreign Minister said whether Bangladesh is feeling any pressure. AK Abdul Momen said, we are not feeling any pressure. We ourselves want fair elections. The US repeatedly says it’s good to see, keeping us strong. Many complaints to the United States. Whenever he complains for that, he tells us about free and fair elections.

In response to the question about the cooperation of the United States in the elections, he said, “I have asked for cooperation.” Fair elections will not happen if the government or the EC wants it alone, there must be sincerity and commitment of people of all parties and opinions. I have asked the United States to help in this regard.

Cooperation to bring BNP to the election? In response to Dr. Momen said, I did not say that. I have said that without the sincerity of all parties, a fair election is not possible. I told the United States to send as many election observers as possible.

If all the parties do not participate in the fair election, will it be acceptable? On this he said, of course it will be. Why not? Why is it not acceptable if the people of the country vote?

He said these things in response to questions from journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday afternoon. On April 10, he spoke to reporters about the election discussion at a meeting with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in Washington.

When asked about the US wants fair, free, acceptable and participatory elections, the foreign minister said, neither acceptable nor participatory, the US only said free and fair elections. We want the rest.

Regarding the meeting, he said, “We have made our point, we want free, fair and acceptable elections.” For which we have taken various steps, developed institutions. At one time during BNP there were 1 crore 23 lakh fake voters. To prevent fake voters, we have provided biometric identity cards. Second, ballot boxes are filled in the dark of night. For this we have made transparent ballot box. On the polling day, it will be seen whether the ballot has already been filled inside. Thirdly, what I have said is that we have made an independent and strong election commission. The prime minister did not appoint them. They (Election Commissioners) are appointed through a process.

Dr. Momen said that Election Commission (EC) is the most powerful institution during elections. They can suspend anyone they want. It can even suspend or remove members of the security forces from service. And if the EC sees any irregularities, it can stop the election.

In response to whether the United States is satisfied with this explanation, he said, “We have given our explanation.” I think they are satisfied with our explanation. The United States wants no one to be harassed without reason.

In response to whether there was any discussion about the government during the election, he said, no, there was no discussion. The United States has said that elections will be held in your country according to the laws of your country. We hope you will show some magic this time, make the election so good that we can tell the world.

Meanwhile, in response to a question about BNP’s meeting with the US ambassador today, the foreign minister said that it is very sad. The reason is that they (BNP) need to go to the grassroots people. Complaining to foreigners will not do much good. Because foreigners will not vote. Bengalis will vote. They should go to grass roots voters. Complaining will not do much good.