Govt won't influence polls: PM

Dhaka, July 13 (bdnews24.com)?Prime minister Sheikh Hasina has assured the outgoing British envoy that her government would not influence any elections.

"The government aims at strengthening the Election Commission that will conduct polls independently," her press secretary Abul Kalam Azad told reporters on Wednesday quoting Hasina.

Stephen Evans, the UK high commissioner in Bangladesh, called on the prime minister at her office in the morning. He will join NATO following the completion of his three-year term in Bangladesh.

Hasina claimed that the by-elections and elections to the Chittagong City Corporation and local government were fair. "The government did not manipulate any of the elections."

At his meeting with opposition BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia on July 9, Evans had stressed on a free and acceptable-to-all election considering the current turmoil-like political situation.

The prime minister also told Evans that her government was showing zero-tolerance on militancy, and that the militants were not being allowed to regroup.

Hasina also said the judiciary was working independently, a claim which is dismissed by the main opposition.

"She said her government ensured human rights and justice," Azad added.

The prime minister also stressed on improving bilateral relations with neighbouring countries.

ABDUL ALIM FAMILY TO GET AID

The prime minister also said the government will provide financial assistance to the family of renowned folk musician late Abdul Aleem.

She made the pledge when members of the deceased's family had gone to meet her for assistance to treat the ailing wife of the singer.

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