Politics
High Commissioner Cooke: UK Advocates for Democratic Transparency in Bangladesh
British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke has affirmed the United Kingdom’s unwavering support for upholding democratic processes in Bangladesh, ensuring citizens’ transparent and inclusive exercise of their democratic rights. This assertion followed an inaugural meeting between the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh and the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on August 27.
During the meeting, High Commissioner Cooke emphasized the UK’s steadfast backing for free, equitable, participatory, and peaceful elections within Bangladesh. This commitment aims to empower citizens to actively shape their nation’s future.
High Commissioner Cooke stated, “Our discussion was productive and introductory. The UK advocates for free, fair, participatory, and peaceful elections in Bangladesh, enabling citizens to exercise their democratic rights.”
Central to the conversation was the pivotal role played by strong and independent institutions in safeguarding the electoral process’s integrity. The British envoy underlined the importance of media and civil society in upholding democratic values, fostering transparency, and facilitating informed choices by voters.
Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal, speaking after the meeting, shared that a range of topics, including the upcoming election, were discussed. He conveyed High Commissioner Cooke’s optimism for a just electoral process, expressing similar confidence in the election’s fairness and transparency.
Throughout the dialogue, the roles of diverse stakeholders, including media and election observers, were comprehensively explored. CEC Habibul Awal highlighted the emphasis on transparency, with a focus on seeking impartial support from observers and the media.
Addressing concerns about the use of motorcycles, CEC Habibul Awal acknowledged the logical demand from the media for logistical support, particularly for election coverage.
Responding to the envoy’s concerns, he said, “While there are worries about potential misuse of motorcycles and undue influence, the demand itself is reasonable as motorcycle usage is essential for covering electoral activities. We’re reviewing the matter and will adjust our policies accordingly.”
CEC Habibul Awal relayed that High Commissioner Sarah Cooke expressed hope for a participatory and credible election. He emphasized the significance of polling agents in maintaining order and preventing malpractice within polling stations. CEC Habibul Awal outlined plans to sensitize polling agents, a proactive measure aimed at curbing irregularities during the electoral process.
Awami League (AL) General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader announced today that the government will show ‘zero tolerance’ towards corruption, ensuring no corrupt individuals are spared.
Speaking at the inauguration of a BRTC shuttle bus service at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Quader emphasized the independence of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), stating that the ACC operates freely and without government interference.
He acknowledged the prevalence of corruption globally and within Bangladesh, noting, “We aren’t claiming there is no corruption here. It’s not accurate to say only government officials are corrupt and politicians aren’t.”
Quader also admitted to corruption within his own sector, saying, “When we speak about corruption, we must consider everyone; we should first look at our own reflection in the mirror.”
The new shuttle bus service aims to ease travel for tourists, expatriates, and general passengers. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Faruque Khan, Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary ABM Amin Ullha Nuri, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh Chairman Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, and Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation Chairman Md Tazul Islam attended the event.
Lawmakers from the Awami League and independent candidates elected in the January 7 polls took their oath as members of the parliament today. The ceremony, administered by the 11th Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, commenced at 10:30 am in the Parliament Complex’s Oath Room.
Speaker Chaudhury, along with independent parliament members, took oath earlier, with Jatiya Party and other faction MPs following suit at 12 pm. The constitution mandates newly elected MPs to take the oath within three days of election results being published in an official gazette, as per Article 148 (2A). A gazette notification on the 12th National Elections’ results, detailing 298 newly elected members, was issued on Tuesday. The new cabinet is scheduled to be sworn in at Bangabhaban at 7 pm on Thursday (January 11).
The Awami League secured 222 out of 298 seats, with independent candidates, mostly aligned with AL, winning 62 seats. Jatiyo Party and single candidates from other parties also claimed victories. After the oath, the AL parliamentary party will elect Sheikh Hasina as their leader, paving the way for her fifth term as prime minister. The president will administer the oath to the new prime minister, who will then form a cabinet with ministers and state ministers chosen by her.
The Awami League (AL) is gearing up to celebrate its victory in the national polls with a rally in Dhaka. Scheduled for January 10 at Suhrawardy Udyan, the event coincides with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Homecoming Day, as announced by Obaidul Quader, the party’s general secretary, during a press conference at the Dhaka District Awami League office in Tejgaon on Monday afternoon.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the leader of the Awami League, is set to lead the rally, commencing at 2:30 pm. The Awami League secured an overwhelming majority in the parliamentary elections, winning 223 out of 299 seats. This decisive victory paves the way for Prime Minister Hasina’s fourth consecutive term and her fifth term in total. The rally at Suhrawardy Udyan serves as a platform for the Awami League to celebrate its triumph and rally support.
