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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the government is taking all kinds of preparations to hold the country's next parliamentary election in a free and fair manner, reports BSS.
"The next election will be held in a free and fair manner, and we are taking all kinds of preparations," she said while outgoing Switzerland Ambassador Nathalie Chuard called on her at Sangsad Bhaban on Thursday.
Hasina said that after enacting Election Commission Law, the government has formed the neutral election commission through a search committee.
"The foreign observes will come to oversee the election and they will do their job freely," she said.
The Premier said the Election Commission of the country is independent and the government has no control over it and its budget.
Sheikh Hasina said that the government has upgraded the country massively in the last 14 years.
"It was possible as the people cast their votes in the 2008 election for Awami League and its alliance at two-thirds majority," she added.
Sheikh Hasina said that Awami League always believes in the power of the people and works for the flourishing of democracy.
Regarding the Rohingya issue, she said that the issue of over one million Myanmar nationals is a burden for Bangladesh. She urged all western countries to extend their support to ensure their return to their homeland Myanmar.
She also apprised the envoy of women's empowerment in the country.
Ambassador Nathalie Chuard said that Bangladesh is graduating to a developing country from the least developed one and her country will continue to support Bangladesh in the smooth transition.
"I will always remain as the well-wisher of Bangladesh," she said.
Nathalie Chuard appreciated the quality of democracy, its stability and good relations with neighbouring countries.
She also highly appreciated the women empowerment progress of the country.
Regarding the Rohingya issue, the envoy thinks that they should go back to their homeland quickly.
Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul
