Bangladesh News

Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury yesterday hinted that the state of emergency may be lifted before elections after gradual relaxation of emergency rules depending on the evolving situation and discussion with the political parties.

“My hunch it will ultimately go before polls, but again you see it will depend on how things evolve and discussion with political parties,” he told reporters after a meeting with visiting Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma at the foreign ministry.

Iftekhar, one of the five-member government panel, which negotiated with the parties, said the emergency rules will be relaxed in phases and a situation created so the emergency does not cause any impediment to free, fair and credible election.

Explaining, he said the first step of relaxation will allow parties to hold meetings and assembly for election campaign. “We’ll remove any obstacles felt by the political parties,” he said, adding that the relaxation process will start immediately after the announcement of the election schedule on November 2.

Iftekhar hoped the December 18 parliamentary elections will help ensure a very sustainable and stable democracy in Bangladesh.

The adviser said Bangladesh and Commonwealth countries have deep relations. The secretary general praised institutional reforms and establishment of human rights commission and assured all cooperation.