The poll observation team led by former US Congressman Jim Bates informed Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Md Tazul Islam that a vested quarter from Bangladesh has hired lobbyists abroad for USD 7 million for anti-election campaign purposes.
The observation team members, however, did not specify who hired the lobbyist. They came up with the disclosure during a meeting with the LGRD and Cooperatives Minister at his office in the secretariat in the capital on Tuesday. Later, the minister conveyed the message to journalists.
He said, “American former congressman Jim Bates had a meeting with me. They observed the election. They termed the election fair and peaceful. There was no disturbance anywhere in the election.”
The local government minister also said, “They have an opinion about the voting rate. In California, of the USA it takes about a month
to complete the voting process by E-Vote, Postal Ballot Voting and In-person Voting. But they said it is admirable that so many people voted here within eight hours.”
Asked about the US statement that the election was not free and fair, the minister said that this statement of the US State Department is not correct. Although political parties were allowed to participate in the elections, they continued violence in the name of political exercise.
He said, “Bangladesh is a country of independence and sovereignty, we have a constitutional obligation to hold elections in this country. Accordingly, the election was held under the Independent Election Commission.”
The Minister of Local Government has also said, “Individuals or leaders responsible for vandalizing the Chief Justice's residence, setting fire to police hospitals, burning ambulances and other vehicles, and causing harm to both civilians and law enforcement personnel have been lawfully detained in jails.”
He further said, “Will the state refrain from taking action against someone who engages in such activities or plays a role in facilitating them? Regardless of the position they hold, they are termed as criminals.”
