Quader: US did not label 12th national election flawed
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Quader requested China’s assistance in border tension issue
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Sunday said that the US did not call the recently held election flawed, and the US will maintain its relationship with the current government since it is in the best interest for both countries.
He said during an exchange of views with journalists at his office in the Secretariat on Sunday afternoon.
The minister said: “Matthew Miller made two types of comments in his statement after the election. Firstly, he claimed that the election was not conducted in a free and fair manner. Secondly, he mentioned that it is their responsibility to maintain relations with Bangladesh in various other areas.”
Quader said: “There was no violence in the election, it was conducted peacefully. We do not know what a freer and fairer election would be. Just because the BNP did not participate does not mean the election was not free and fair.”
Obaidul Quader said: “Let's not jeopardize our relationship by being intrusive. There are mutual interests for both of us.”
Earlier this morning, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, paid a courtesy visit to Obaidul Quader. Regarding a question about Rohingya reputation, the minister said: “China could play a crucial role in the issue. The Chinese ambassador replied positively regarding the Rohingya issue, saying that they would attempt to strengthen cooperation.”
When asked by journalists about the tension on the Myanmar border, the minister said: “The current conflict with the Arakan Army in Myanmar has spilt over to their borders. The sound of gunfire can be heard, which naturally creates panic among the people. Although the war is internal to Myanmar, the sound of gunfire at the border can cause fear and terror. The minister has sought China's intervention to help with this issue.”
Obaidul Quader said: “Due to geopolitical strategies, there is a power sphere of India and China here. Both countries have their own interests to protect. The ongoing conflict with the Arakan Army on the Myanmar border has caused damage to the region. Additionally, there has been a violation of airspace. Since China has a good relationship with Myanmar, we requested their assistance in resolving this matter.”