PM Sheikh Hasina working independently tells British envoy

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wednesday said that the Election Commission is working independently to arrange elections and the government would not interfere in this regard. Election Commission is now totally independent. All the elections under the present government have been held freely and neutrally, she said, dispelling doubts often aired in the opposition camp. The Prime Minister made the remarks when outgoing British High Commissioner Stephen Evans paid a farewell call on her at the PMO in the morning. Sheikh Hasina also said her government has already taken various measures to further strengthen the Election Commission although the commission has now been working independently. Mentioning the Habitation by-election, mayoral elections in Chittagong City Corporation (C CC) and the local-body elections, she told the envoy that these polls had proved the government's sincerity towards free, fair, neutral and acceptable elections. In this context, she thanked the British government for its support in holding the last parliamentary elections in a free and fair manner and restoration of democracy in Bangladesh. She also said her government would not allow militancy in the country and would show `zero tolerance` towards militancy and terrorism." Our government never allows terrorism and militancy in the country, in order to build a peaceful Bangladesh," the PM told the British diplomat, who also has had discussions with the opposition side in the process of his exit. The Prime Minister underscored the need for establishing peace in South Asia and maintaining good relations with neighboring countries. The British High Commissioner thanked the PM for all-out support provided by the government in discharging his duties during his stay in Bangladesh.

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