Assistant Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Professor Luis Gabriel Franceschi, said the organisation wants free, fair and transparent 13th parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.
It (Commonwealth) has also shown keen interest in providing necessary assistance to hold the national election.
Luis Gabriel Franceschi made the remarks while briefing the media after a meeting with the Electoral Reform Commission at the Election Commission Bhaban in the capital’s Agargaon on Tuesday.
He said, “We always come to a country to learn and listen. We assist as per the demand of the concerned country. We recommend and help to implement those.”
“We had a fruitful discussion today with the Electoral Reform Commission. We want a free, fair, and transparent 13th parliamentary election in Bangladesh. A good commission has been formed for electoral reformation. Bangladesh would be a successful story for the Commonwealth if the reformations are implemented,” he continued.
Luis Gabriel Franceschi said, “There are 2.7 million people in the 56 Commonwealth countries. Of them, 60 per cent are at the age of 30. They always wait for free, fair, and transparent polls. I think this could be a lesson.”
He also said they don’t come here to resolve the problems. They can only assist.
While speaking, Electoral Reform Commission Chairman Badiul Alam Majumdar said, “The Commonwealth delegation has come here for discussion. They are interested in assisting us and know our electoral system.”
Earlier in the day, a five-member Commonwealth delegation led by Luis Gabriel Franceschi arrived at the election commission.
bd-pratidin/GR
