Diplomatic Desk: Amid the political heat in the country surrounding the 13th National Parliament elections, ambassadors of three European countries met with Awami League leader Saber Hossain Chowdhury.
The ambassadors participating in the meeting were Norwegian Ambassador to Dhaka Haakon Arald Gulbransen, Swedish Ambassador Nikolas Linus Ragnar Weeks, and Danish Ambassador Christian Brix Molla. Norway has a history of playing a positive role in various regions of the world, especially in political mediation.
The meeting was held in complete secrecy at Saber Hossain Chowdhury’s residence in Gulshan, the capital, on Monday, October 6. The meeting mainly discussed the Awami League’s position on election participation and the ongoing persecution and torture of party leaders and workers.
Earlier, Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina had said on the party’s Facebook page that the Awami League is ready to participate in the elections if the country needs it. However, for this, it is essential to organize the elections through a neutral caretaker government during the election period.
Multiple Awami League policy-making sources have said that the current Yunus government has lost its credibility in conducting elections. The Awami League does not believe that it is possible to organize a neutral election under this government.
An independent and impartial election commission, an administration that trusts the rule of law and a fair political environment are prerequisites for holding any election. The Awami League’s policy-making body believes that it is essential to stop torture on leaders and activists, release leaders and activists who are in prison in harassment cases, and stop mob violence and administrative harassment in political programs.
