India wants to see political stability in Bangladesh and hopes that
the people of this country would take whatever measures necessary to
this regard.
The visiting Indian Foreign Secretary, Sujatha Singh made this comment
during a meeting with Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia at the
latter’s Gulshan residence on Wednesday.
Briefing reporters, BNP vice-chairman Shamser Mobin Chowdhury said,
the opposition leader told the Indian foreign secretary that political
stability in Bangladesh is involved with the interests of India since
it is necessary to ensure stability and socio-economic development in
the region.
He said Sujatha Singh fully agreed with the comments of the BNP
chairperson saying that India wants to see that the democracy in
Bangladesh to be strengthened to ensure political stability in the
country.
Quoting from Khaleda, the BNP leader said, “Since India is an
important and neighbouring country of Bangladesh, the bilateral
relations between the two countries should carry forward ensuring
mutual benefit.”
He said the Indian foreign secretary said that her country worked with
Khaleda in the past and hoped that they would be able to work with her
in future.
Sujatha said all kinds of relations between the two countries would be
strengthened further in future. She also said the personal relation
with Khaleda her party would also be strengthened in future, said the
BNP leader.
Referring to the Khaleda’s visit to India in 2012, the Indian foreign
secretary said after her (Khaleda) visit the relation with the BNP was
improved and the relation would be strengthened further in future.
Replying to a question he said no discussion took place on the
forthcoming elections during the meeting lasted for one hour. “They
want the democratic process in Bangladesh to be continued,” he added.
BNP chairperson’s adviser Reaz Rahman and Indian High Commissioner
Pankaj Sharan, among others, were present on the occasion. – Staff
Reporter
UNB adds: The visiting Indian foreign secretary Sujatha Singh on
Wednesday said the election is a must in order to build the
institution of democracy mentioning that any election should have the
participation of maximum number of parties. “You have to have that
election in order to build the institutions of democracy,” she told a
function with the senior journalists at Sonargaon Hotel in the city
when asked whether India expects an inclusive election shortly in
Bangladesh. Pressed for further comments, she said, “Yes…well, any
election that is held should have the participation of maximum number
of parties.”
She hoped that the upcoming election will reflect the aspirations of
the people of Bangladesh and it will be free, fair, impartial and
peaceful one and have the greater acceptance. “India wants a peaceful
and violence-free election in Bangladesh.”
“This is an important time for Bangladesh. The people of Bangladesh
like anywhere in the world deserve the right to choose their elected
representatives freely and fairly,” she added.
Describing the Indian’s interest in Bangladesh, Sujatha Singh said
India’s interest in Bangladesh is supporting the democratic process,
stable and prosperous Bangladesh. “These are the broad parameters of
what our interest is.”
