Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni on Monday briefed foreign diplomats reiterating the Prime Minister’s stance that the next general election will be held as per the Constitution. Talking to reporters after the briefing at the Foreign Ministry, the Foreign Minister also said time has not run out for talks for holding a peaceful election. However, a diplomat who attended the meeting said the Foreign Minister informed that there will be no deviation from the Constitution in terms of holding the next national election but discussions could be held on the composition of the interim government.
“The Foreign Minister mainly focused on two issues – arrest of Odhikar secretary Adilur Rahman Khan and upcoming election,” said the diplomats. Responding to a question, the diplomat said there were requests for adequate space for the civil society bodies so that they can operate freely, specially ahead of the next national election.
Responding to another question, the diplomat said, “Basically, she repeated what the Prime Minister said yesterday (about election). But there were more questions about Adil.” On the arrest of Adil, Dipu Moni said he was arrested as per law as he did go against state, the diplomat said quoting the Foreign Minister.
Another diplomat, representing a neighboring country, said someone asked about the trial of war criminals and the Foreign Minister said that should not be an election issue. Major countries like the USA, the UK, India, Pakistan, Japan, France, Australia, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Palestine sent deputies while the envoys from Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Canada, Korea, Nepal, Indonesia and other countries were present at the briefing.
Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque and Director General (EP) M Shameem Ahsan were present. The briefing was originally scheduled for Sunday but postponed as it was about to coincide with the prime minister’s press conference.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held a press conference at her official residence Ganobhaban on Sunday where Dipu Moni was present. Dipu earlier briefed the diplomats and representatives of development partners jointly and in separate groups on various issues from March 7. – UNB
