By NNN-BSS
Dhaka : Bangladesh government will not deviate from its goals and objectives to hold elections by December 2008, Adviser for Foreign Affairs Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury told
heads of diplomatic missions and international agencies based in Dhaka Sunday.
Later, briefing the reporters at his office, he said that as adviser in charge of the foreign ministry he apprised them of the prevailing situation in the country.
He said, “We are moving ahead as per the Road Map of the Election Commission to hold polls by the end of 2008.”
Dr Iftekhar said the government has taken all measures to ensure full security to the members of the diplomatic missions and the situation is under control. He said curfew is being relaxed and will be relaxed further.
The reform measures of the government, Dr Chowdhury said will continue and there was praise for the government’s stability from the international community. In this context, he said, they have extended full support to the government.
Regarding relief goods received from foreign countries, the foreign adviser said such materials were being fully utilized. Though Bangladesh did not make any formal appeal, Dhaka has received adequate relief materials from foreign countries. There is no report of any pilferage of relief goods.
He said that his Iranian counterpart in a telephonic talk with him Sunday conveyed his country’s sympathy to Bangladesh for the floods and also assured of necessary support.
He rejected the reported allegation made by Andhra Pradesh chief minister that outlawed Harkatul Jihad of Bangladesh was behind the bomb incidents in Hyderabad. He strongly condemned such acts of terrorism.
The foreign adviser said Bangladesh will send peace keepers to Darfur in Sudan.