A visiting Commonwealth delegation, led by its secretary-general Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, on Sunday held separate meetings with leaders of major political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, National Citizen Party, and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.
During the meetings, the discussions focused on preparations for the upcoming Jatiya Sangsad polls and referendum, as well as the role of political parties and law enforcement in ensuring a fair, peaceful, and accountable electoral process.
Speaking to reporters after the meetings at Hotel聽 InterContinental in the capital, BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said that the discussions primarily focused on ensuring voters鈥� rights ahead of the upcoming elections, the activities of political parties, and the role of law enforcement agencies.
The referendum was also discussed, he said.
鈥楾he Commonwealth delegation hoped that the election would be conducted peacefully and we share the same hope,鈥� Khasru said.
He said that the extensive preparations for the elections aimed to restore democratic rights, along with the referendum, were also discussed during the meeting.
鈥榃e are moving forward prioritising the public interest, and the parliament formed through elections will be capable of fulfilling the people鈥檚 expectations,鈥� Khasru said
He added that the elected government would be accountable to the citizens, adding that the public desired a tolerant political environment.
The NCP delegation, led by convener Nahid Islam, also participated in talks with the Commonwealth representatives.
After the meeting, speaking to reporters, Nahid emphasised the need to ensure a level-playing field for the election to guarantee fairness.
He also underlined the importance of proper police reforms and urged the Election Commission to strengthen its engagement with political parties.
Similarly, Mia Golam Parwar, a member of the five-member Jamaat delegation, said that discussions included holding the national elections and the referendum on the same day, as well as bringing reform issues to public attention.
