Mushfiqul Fazal, UN correspondent
The United Nations has reiterated its position to see a peaceful, credible and inclusive general election in Bangladesh.
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, on Tuesday said they have expressed their position on holding a credible, and inclusive general election in Bangladesh in ‘very clear terms.’
He made the remark while replying to a query at a briefing on the ongoing attack on civil society and political leaders ahead of general election in Bangladesh.
Earlier on May 22, Stéphane Dujarric in a briefing said, “Our message is clear, and that is our message also to any countries holding elections-is that we would want to see a peaceful, credible, and inclusive election in Bangladesh.”
About the case filed against Nobel Professor Muhammad Yunus, the spokesperson said he will look into the matter.
In the briefing, UN correspondent M Mushfiqul Fazal asked, “I think you are aware that the United States announced a visa restriction policy to support free, fair and inclusive elections in Bangladesh. Still, the regime is very attacking on civil society leaders and political leaders ahead of election. Today, the Anti-Corruption Commission filed a case against Nobel Laureate, Professor Muhammad Yunus, who engaged with the UN in various capacities. Also, the court framed charges against main opposition leader Tarique Rahman and his wife, convicted and sentenced another two BNP leaders and their families. So how could you hope that there will be an election as free and fair?”
In reply, the spokesperson said, “Well, Mushfiq, our position, you had asked me the question on the elections. We expressed our position I think in very clear terms. It was widely reported on. I’m not aware of the issue regarding Professor Yunus, but I will look into that. And on the visa, it's not for me to comment on US visa policies.”
MN/
