By DPA,
Dhaka : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Sunday Bangladesh’s military leadership had assured him that it would not interfere in politics and the December election will be free and fair.
“I was assured by the military leadership that they will ensure this forthcoming election will be fair, credible and free. They will not interfere in any political process,” Ban told reporters in Dhaka.
During a two-day visit, Ban met with President Iajuddin Ahmed, the head of the military-backed government Fakhruddin Ahmed, army chief Moeen U Ahmed, and senior members of the Awami League and Bangladesh Nationalist Party, taking stock of election preparations.
He also saw rural development through micro-credit programmes and comprehensive disaster management programme in a country vulnerable to global warming-triggered natural disaster.
Asked about the UN position over holding the general election under the ongoing state of emergency, Ban said this was for the government and political parties to resolve.
The military-controlled government has been insisting the election to be held under a relaxed state of emergency, while the parties want it lifted completely to allow polling in a free atmosphere.