In an official meeting with four members of Parliament of the British All-Party Parliamentary Group, prime minister Sheikh Hasina said, ‘The next election will be held according to the country’s constitution.’ The meeting was held at Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday. Four British MPs visiting are – Rushanara Ali, Jonathan Reynolds, Mohammed Yasin, and Tom Hunt.
Prime Minister’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim gave a detailed brief after the meeting. According to him, Prime Minister said, “The Election Commission is very independent in the country. We follow your Westminster democracy. We have no problem when election observers come.”
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“As a political party, Awami League has a long tradition of fighting for the restoration of democracy from military rulers in the past. Military rulers used guns to seize state power and patronize politics by forming political parties.” she pointed out.
Ambassador-at-Large of Bangladesh Mohammad Ziauddin, Chief Secretary to the prime minister Tofazzal Hossain Mia and British High Commissioner Robert Chatterton Dickson were also present at the time.
Ukraine-Russia conflict, investment and climate change discussed
Sheikh Hasina urged the British parliamentarians to take initiative to stop the Russia-Ukraine war. She said, “Countries like Bangladesh are suffering in many ways because of sanctions and countersanctions. Food grains, necessities and cooking oil came from Ukraine. But the import of these items is hampered due to war. As a result, the prices of these things are increasing.”
The Prime Minister urged UK entrepreneurs to invest in 100 Special Economic Zones across the country. She said, “We would welcome UK investment there.”
The Prime Minister appreciated British support to Bangladesh on climate change issues. She said the government is serious about the issue of climate change and has started adaptation and mitigation programs with its own resources.
British MPs laud Bangladesh’s development
British MPs expressed satisfaction with the unprecedented infrastructure development of Bangladesh. They praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for this development. The press secretary said, “They especially praised the development of connectivity including Metro Rail, Padma Bridge and Bangabandhu Tunnel.”
Members of parliament think that these infrastructures will be very helpful in the development of Bangladesh. Referring to Britain as Bangladesh’s development partner, they said, “Britain wants to work for the development of Bangladesh.” Bangladeshi expatriates in the UK are hardworking and continue to make a significant contribution to the British economy. They also said that the UK will work with Bangladesh on climate change issues.
