Staff Correspondent

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen has said the Election Commission is committed to holding a free and fair election with participation of the voters in a festive atmosphere.

“The election is a festival in Bangladesh as we see it in many democratic countries,” he said on Friday evening while briefing the heads of the missions (around 90 missions) based in New Delhi, who are concurrently accredited to Bangladesh.

A large number of ambassadors and diplomats attended the briefing session organised by the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi at the Bangabandhu Hall.

Masud was visiting New Delhi in connection with the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and India, which was held in the Hyderabad House on Friday afternoon.

The foreign secretary briefed the concurrently accredited ambassadors about the recent political scenarios and preparations for the next general election in Bangladesh.

“The people of Bangladesh have been eagerly waiting to rejoice in this festival and take part in the democratic process to vote and elect the representatives of their choice.”

He highlighted the foreign policy priorities and dynamics of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Besides, he also briefed them about Bangladesh’s position on various geopolitical contemporary issues.

During the briefing, Masud highlighted the recent socio-economic developments of Bangladesh for the last 15 years under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Sheikh Hasina.

He solicited the support of the ambassadors to resolve the Rohingya crisis by ensuring their safe and sustainable repatriation for peace and stability in the region and beyond.

At the event, the ambassadors were requested for the support of their respective governments for Bangladesh’s candidature for membership of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under category ‘C’ for the term 2024-2025 elections to be held in London on 1 December.

Given Bangladesh’s recent socio-economic developments, continued stability, and growing importance in the regional and global platforms and engagement with the issues of global concern, the foreign secretary urged the ambassadors to request their respective governments to consider opening diplomatic missions in Dhaka.

He assured them of the Bangladesh government’s cooperation and assistance in facilitating the process.