Govt can't guarantee violence-free election without support from all: FM

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said the government can’t give the guarantee of violence-free election without sincere cooperation from all stakeholders.

He made this remark at a press briefing, replying to a question about the next election-related discussion that took place in the meeting  between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Thursday.

“It is clear that we want to make the next election free and fair. They (US) said for (making it) peaceful as well. Then we said that we can’t guarantee it,” said Momen, adding that arrangement of a peaceful election doesn’t depend on the government alone.

“There is such an environment in our country where sincere cooperation from all political parties and people irrespective of their views is required to make sure that the election will be free from violence,” he said.

To make the election peaceful, the USA can assist Bangladesh so that the people from all parties and views will cooperate for a peaceful election, he added.

“In our country, the election will be held in line with our country’s constitution. We believe in people. We don’t think anyone can come to power without the mandate of the people. If anyone comes to power through vote-rigging, the government will not last long. We’ve such instances,” said Momen.