Act with neutrality in country's interest
UK diplomat urges interim admin
Staff Correspondent
There is no place for violence under any circumstances and the United Kingdom (UK) is helping in promoting non-violent politics in Bangladesh, said a British diplomat in the city yesterday referring to recent political violence across the country."There is too much gossips and violence at the moment. Violence benefits no body. Lives of young Bangladeshis should not be lost in this way. It is tragic and it should not happen," said Deputy British High Commissioner Stephen J Bridges. He was talking to newsmen on the sideline of a programme jointly organised by European Commission and Bangladesh Vision 2021 Forum at Sheraton Hotel. "There is no place for violent factions to be engaged in political debate and differences on streets," he said, adding, "There has to be a better way. Let us find the leadership and find integrity in politics to move forward." Stephen said it needs leadership, it is the ability of political leadership to move beyond violence. About the interim administration he said advisors have to be marked on their performances. "My request to the interim administration is to demonstrate the leadership and act with neutrality in the best interest of the country," he added. Stephen said election has to be free, fair and acceptable to all. Voter list is a key element in the elections and a correct voter list is a pre-requisite for impartial election, he added. The deputy high commissioner said, "As a friend of Bangladesh, we look to the interim administration to provide leadership, vision, framework and stability in order to achieve it." "Now I look to those advisors and administration who will be acting and delivering to achieve the goal of holding a free and fair elections. That is the end game to all of us," he added. Stephen said though the EU observation mission will be very important, the UK government is providing a significant amount of funds for developing a domestic monitoring mechanism. "We are not here to interfere in the political process. We think that we have a relationship close enough to help all political parties join hands for delivering a free, fair and successful election," he said. "We want issue based discussion to get away from personality based one and deal with issues important for the country," he said. "We are helping to facilitate public debate and public engagement with their members of parliament so that we can push economic, health, education, trade and future development policies forward," he added.
| 
