US stresses dialogue for credible polls

Ticfa to be signed today, says Mozena

 

US Ambassador in Dhaka Dan Mozena on Monday stressed the urgency of a constructive dialogue between the major parties to find a way forward to hold a free, fair and credible election in Bangladesh.

 

The US envoy came up with the remarks as reporters sought his comments as the Election Commission was set to announce the election schedule despite the opposition BNP’s threat to boycott the polls unless it is held under a non-partisan administration.

 

“I don’t know whether the Chief Election Commissioner will be doing that, but regard less (of that), I think, this development makes it even more urgent for the major parties to engage in constructive dialogue to find a way forward to hold a free, fair and credible election,” Mozena said after a meeting with new Foreign Minister Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali at his ministry in the afternoon.

 

Sought further comments as he always stressed inclusive election rather than saying free and fair election, Mozena said, “I don’t know when I’ve said but maybe at some point. To me free, fair and credible election is the standard.”

 

About the much-hyped Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum Agreement (Ticfa), the US envoy said it will be signed in Washington at 10 am, local time (9:15pm BST).

Source: UNB Connect