DHAKA: The diplomats from different countries are seen busy again to prepare a ground for holding midterm election with the participation of all political parties in the country.
As a part of the effort, European Union’s south and south-east Asia director Ugo Astuto visited Dhaka on June 5.
He met several mission chiefs and diplomats of different countries. The envoy also met Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia during his visit.
According to the sources, Astuto went to Jessore in the afternoon of June 5 and stayed there two days. After returning from Jessore, he met EU ambassador William Hanna at his residence in the morning on June 8.
The sources further said a long discussion was held regarding an all-party election to be held earlier than the scheduled time.
In the afternoon, the EU director met Norway envoy.
United Nation’s residential coordinator, Canada High Commissioner, ambassadors of several European countries and a high official from USA embassy were present at the one-and-a half hour discussion.
The latest political situation in Bangladesh and other issues were discussed at the meeting. They expressed their concern about the incidents of murders and forced disappearance in the country.
They also expected an interim election with the participations of all political parties.
After the meeting Norway ambassador, Astuto met BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia that night at her office in city’s Gulshan area. The EU director wanted to know about the BNP leader’s eagerness on dialogue with the government regarding earlier election.
In response, Khaleda expressed her full support on dialogue regarding mid-term election at any time and any place.
During the filing of this report, no information was available regarding Astuto’s meeting with the government.
An official from EU Dhaka office told banglanews the EU director may meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s adviser Gowher Rizvi June 9 evening.
Ugo Astuto is scheduled to leave Dhaka on June 10 after a five-day visit.
BDST: 1545 HRS, JUN 09, 2014
