Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday strongly criticised foreigners talking about democracy and elections in Bangladesh – saying that there are “weaknesses” in democracy everywhere including in the USA.
“There are good and bad sides of democracy in all the countries. It is not a perfect situation. It is a dynamic process. It’s an evolving process. Democracy gets mature through continuous efforts,” he said.
Momen made the remarks during a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when his attention was sought to US Ambassador Peter Haas’ repeated comments on democracy in Bangladesh and the upcoming national election.
He said foreigners make comments when they are approached by the media here. “You should come to us instead of going to them (with questions).”
The Foreign Minister said democracy in Bangladesh has “weaknesses” but the government is trying to see how those weaknesses can be rectified.
“We do have weaknesses. But that does not mean that they have (US) the best. They have their own weaknesses,” he added.
Momen said, “We are not a big power. Yet we have principles and values in this country. We remain vocal where we see any injustice. This is Bangladesh.”
Referring to the 1971 War of Liberation, he said when genocide was taking place in this country, they (US) did not come close to Bangladesh and when genocide was taking place in Myanmar, nobody provided them shelter.
“Who did it? It is Bengal. It is Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina has the guts to open up the border on humanitarian considerations,” he continued.
In his quite a long reply, Momen said Bangladesh is a leader in democracy and the people of this country gave blood in 1971.
“We gave blood to establish democracy. Did you see anywhere in the world? For establishing democracy, we struggled when people’s voice was denied and when democratic rights were denied,” he said,
Momen said the people of this country started the War of Independence for establishing democracy, justice and for human rights. “So, how much will others teach us? We still stand by democracy, human rights and justice.”
About elections, Momen said the government does not want to see a single death during the election process.
“The government is committed to holding a free, fair and transparent election. The government is committed to it,” Momen said, adding that Bangladesh Awami League came to power again and again through elections which “were known to be free and fair.”.
He said they will try to ensure a free, fair and transparent election process. “It is better not to go to the foreigners.”
Momen also said Sheikh Hasina also proved smooth transfer of responsibility.
Momen described relatively very low vote casting in the US elections and lack of interest from the young people to come to politics. “Don’t they like your (US) democracy? Why don't young people come (forward)….you (journalists) should ask them those questions.”
