TDS Desk:

The Commonwealth pledges to provide full support in holding free, fair and impartial elections in Bangladesh.

The Commonwealth delegation expressed their interest in a meeting with the Electoral Reforms Commission on Tuesday. In the morning, a delegation of five members of the Commonwealth held a meeting with the Electoral Reform Commission at the Agargaon election building in the capital.

After the meeting, Badiul Alam Majumdar, head of the Election Reform Commission, told reporters, “The representatives of the Commonwealth have come to talk. They are eager to help us. They are interested to know about our electoral system. There was an exchange of views with them on many things. They want a fair and impartial election in our country and they want to help in ensuring this free-fair and impartial election. They came with this interest and purpose.’

Badiul Alam Majumder also said that the Commonwealth will help if the Reform Commission wants. They did not come with any prescription or to impose anything.

At the end of the meeting, Assistant Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Professor Luis Gabriel Franceschi told reporters that they do not have any recommendations. It will come from the Reforms Commission. They will be happy to help the commission. Where ever the assistance is needed, they will give it. They don’t go to solve a country’s problems, they go to help and learn.

He also said, we always want impartial and people’s participatory elections. Where public opinion will be reflected. Advice for fair and impartial elections will come from the Electoral Reforms Commission. We can only cooperate with support.

Professor Luis Gabriel Franceschi said the Commonwealth has 2.7 billion members and 56 countries. Who are always keen for fair elections. As they have always worked to conduct fair elections, we can use their experience in Bangladesh elections.