Expressing concern over alleged harassment, intimidation and electoral irregularities in the December 30 election, Norway has called for a transparent investigation into the allegations.

“Norway is concerned about credible reports of harassment and intimidation, as well as the presence of serious obstacles to a level playing field throughout the election process. We deplore the violence and tragic loss of life during the campaigning period and on election day,” said Marianne Hagen, state secretary at foreign affairs ministry.

“Given the significant number of claims of irregularities, it is essential that these are investigated fully and transparently by the proper authorities.”

In a statement on Thursday, she said Norway commends the many Bangladeshis who exercised their democratic right to vote on election day, and welcomes the opposition's decision to contest the election for the first time in 10 years.

Hagen added, “Our countries' good and longstanding relations are based on mutual respect and the pursuit of common interests.

“Norway will continue to work with the government and the opposition, as well as other stakeholders, to further advance the democratic and economic development of Bangladesh.” 

The Daily Star is launching a new series of talk show ‘The Election Talks 2018’ where experts will be analysing all aspects of the upcoming general elections, contemporary politics, events and incidents.

In today’s episode Dr. Shahdeen Malik, Advocate of Bangladesh Supreme Court, talks with the show host Shakhawat Liton, planning editor of The Daily Star.

In today’s episode of ‘The Election Talks 2018’, The Daily Star brings to fore researcher and writer Syed Abul Maksud to talk about the upcoming election.

Hosted Journalist Golam Mortoza, the show is one of the series of talk show productions The Daily Star is carrying out ahead of the December 30 election.

In today’s episode, Syed Abul Maksud talks about the responsibility and role of the civil society in shaping a society and upholding the democratic practice.

Watch the full show below:

Today’s episode of The Daily Star’s ‘The Election Talks 2018’ will see Mujahidul Islam Selim, president of Communist Party of Bangladesh, sharing his views on the upcoming election.

Hosted by Shakhawat Liton, planning editor of The Daily Star, the show is the fifth of the series of The Daily Star’s political talk show series ahead of the December 30 election.

Selim, who has been in Bangladesh’s politics for decades, touches on democracy, secularism, nationalism and socialism in the latest episode of tete-e-tete with The Daily Star.

‘ACHIEVEMENT OF LIBERATION WAR GONE’

Reflecting on the current situation of Bangladesh, the CPB chief pulled reference of the Liberation War of 1971 and said: We did not carry out any isolated rebellion. Our revolution was for the freedom of the nation.”

“It was against the oppressors, and aimed at toppling the imperialist forces. We wanted to empower the citizens by liberating them from the shackles of rightlessness. The four national ideologies are the basis of this context.”

“It is sad but true that almost all our achievements from the Liberation War in 1971 have been snatched from us… the nation has been driven to a different path by ignoring the ideologies of democracy, secularism, nationalism and socialism,” he added.

“Since the restoration of parliamentary democracy in 1990, either the Awami League or BNP has come into state power. However, the scenario changes when they assume power, they become desperate to cling to power anyhow,” he also said.

In his opinion, an economy of loot is prevailing in Bangladesh.