MM Rahmatullah: Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen has asserted that Bangladesh has no reason to be concerned about recent statements from the United States and the United Kingdom regarding the 12th National parliamentary elections.
Addressing journalists following comments from these two key partners, Momen emphasized, “The election was held in a free, fair, credible, and non-violent manner. That is enough, and we are very happy with it.”
His remarks came after participating in a “meet and greet” event organized by the Foreign Ministry at the Foreign Service Academy’s open space in the state guesthouse Sugandha. Diplomats from various nations attended the event on Tuesday afternoon.
Momen reiterated that the Bangladeshi people have exercised their right to vote and delivered their verdict, making further validation unnecessary. He pointed out that foreign observers themselves commended the Election Commission for conducting the polls in a fair and peaceful manner.
Among the diplomatic attendees were US Ambassador Peter Haas, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, Russian Ambassador Aleksandr Mantytsky, EU Ambassador Charles Whiteley, UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis, Brunei High Commissioner Haji Haris bin Othman, Danish Ambassador Christian Brix Moller (Chris), Thai Ambassador Makawadee Sumitmor, Charge d’Affaires of the Singapore High Commission Sheela Pillai, High Commissioners and Ambassadors from various other countries, and representatives from the Pakistan and Indian High Commissions. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, senior Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials, and other dignitaries were also present.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized the 12th National Parliament election as a symbol of the enduring democratic system in Bangladesh, contributing to regional and global peace and security. The statement further underlined the country’s determination to achieve international development goals and eradicate terrorism, radicalization, and extremism.
A briefing note circulated among diplomats stated, “Through the initiative of the new government, Bangladesh will be prepared to strengthen cooperation with its neighbors to ensure shared economic prosperity in South Asia through greater regional security, integration, and connectivity.”
The document concludes by suggesting that the 12th National parliamentary election results present a fresh opportunity to inject further dynamism into the socio-economic achievements of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government over the past three terms. It asserts that political stability under democratic rule has been a crucial factor in these significant advancements.
