Oscar Fernandez-Taranco. Star file photo
Key UN official Oscar Fernández-Taranco arrived in Dhaka this evening for a four-day whirlwind visit to discuss with political leaders a mutually acceptable formula to hold “inclusive, non-violent and credible” election.
A fight of Emirates Airways carrying the UN Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs arrived at HazratShahjalalInternationalAirport around 7:55pm.
Diplomatic circle consider the visit of Taranco, highly significant as it is apparently last ditch of diplomatic efforts to encourage all interlocutors the urgent need for more meaningful and constructive political dialogue to create conducive conditions for the successful holding of elections.
He is expected to meet twice with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia.
In his first phase of meetings, the UN official tomorrow will meet with the PM at 4:00pm at her official residence Gono Bhaban and the BNP chairperson at 6:30pm.
Taranco, who had visited Dhaka during December last year and May this year, to find a solution to the same political crisis “at the request” of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, is leading a 5-member high-profile political mission.
In addition to meeting with the PM and BNP chief, he will also hold discussions in Dhaka with Foreign Minister AH Mahmud Ali, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad, Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque, leaders of major political parties, and representatives of civil society and the media.
Source: The Daily Star