EU wants fair, inclusive polls

Dhaka, June 23 (bdnews24.com) ? The European Union wants to see a free, fair and inclusive general election in Bangladesh scheduled for 2014.

EU commissioner for development Andris Peibalgs expressed the regional grouping's expectation at a press briefing in the city on Thursday.

On the present political row over the caretaker government, he said: "The political parties have an obligation to resolve their dispute? They shouldn't do politics for blockade, rather they should do it for the people."

Peibalgs said the EU would not take any position in the country's political row. "Rather we want constructive talks [between the ruling and opposition parties]," he added.

The ruling Awami League and opposition BNP have stood face to face over retaining the provision of non-party caretaker government system for the next general elections.

BNP already enforced a spell of general strike protesting the government's move to scrap the system.

About foreign aid, he said member countries of the union would not cut down assistance to Bangladesh.

"But from our side the demand is effective and efficient use of our fund and good result at the end of project?We demand quality of works," he added.

Mentioning that 52 percent of Bangladesh's export goes to the EU countries, Peibalgs said: "We're happy that we're creating employment in Bangladesh."

The EU commission came to Dhaka on June 20 in a joint visit with German minister for economic cooperation and development Dirk Niebel, who also addressed the Thursday briefing.

Niebel said politicians are obliged to find out ways to resolve their disputes and he is confident that they could do it.

He said those who are in the opposition might form the next government.

MEETING WITH OPPOSITION LEADER

Earlier in the day, a nine-member delegation led by Peibalgs and Niebel met BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Party vice-president Shamser Mobin Chowdhury quoted her as telling the delegation that the next general election would not be free and fair if held under a political government.

"People won't accept that election," Khaleda told them.

The delegation also spoke of Bangladesh's current political situation, way to strengthen democratic system, ensuring rights to vote and economic development.

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