Govt won’t interfere in any election: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said that the government would not interfere in any election of the country. “Election Commission will arrange and operate the elections. Election Commission is independent. The commission would be further strengthened,” she said.
The premier made the remarks when outgoing British High Commissioner Stephen Evans paid a farewell call on her at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in the morning, said PM’s press secretary Abul Kalam Azad.
Referring to the Habiganj by-poll, mayoral election in the Chittagong City Corporation and the local body elections, Hasina said these polls had proved the government’s sincerity towards free, fair, neutral and acceptable elections.
She thanked the British government for its support and assistance to hold the parliamentary elections on December 29 in 2008 in a free and fair manner that restored democracy in Bangladesh.
The Prime Minister reiterated her government’s determination of showing zero tolerance towards militancy and terrorism. “We never allow any sort of terrorist activities,” she said.
She also vowed to uphold human rights and justice in the society. Hasina said the judiciary is now independent and the government always makes its best efforts to maintain rule of law.
“The present government believes in friendly relations with all neighbors,” she said, adding that when good relation prevails among the neighboring countries, it benefits all their peoples.
The premier told the British envoy about the government’s strategy of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to boost investment sector.
The government attaches importance to the private sector for the development of Bangladesh, she said, and mentioned the flourishing of private mobile phone companies and television channels during the last Awami League government.
Hasina informed that the present government has a plan to dredge the Mongla port area on regular basis.The outgoing British High Commissioner praised the Prime Minister’s visionary and active leadership.
Evans thanked the Prime Minister and the government for their support in the discharge his duties in Bangladesh.
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister M A Karim and Press Secretary to the PM Abul Kalam Azad were present.     UNB