FM: TIB giving anti-democratic forces ammo through its report

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has said informed quarters have questioned whether Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) published its report on the January 7 election to give ammunition to anti-election and anti-democratic forces.

“It seems that there are similarities in terms of language between what the BNP says and what TIB is saying. We expect that TIB will not work as a supportive force for anti-election and anti-democratic forces,” he told reporters at his ministry on Thursday.

The foreign minister hoped that TIB will not turn into “a spokesperson for a group” and uphold its reputation without deviating from its neutral position.

The Awami League joint general secretary said he received several phone calls with questions about the TIB report.

Though TIB was supposed to research issues, in most cases they do not do any research, Hasan Mahmud claimed.

The minister said the election was held in a festive atmosphere, and international observers from the US, European Union, Commonwealth, OIC and others described it as “free and fair.”

He said it seems TIB made the report with refined remarks made by BNP leaders.

Hasan Mahmud said the Election Commission demonstrated a strong role in the strict imposition of laws including the cancellation of Awami League picks’ candidacies and other measures.

“There was no appreciation of the Election Commission’s efforts in the TIB report,” he said.

“The 12th parliamentary election was a one-sided one, staged to appear competitive,” TIB said in its report.

“It is an ominous sign regarding the future of democracy and democratic elections in Bangladesh,” said TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman at a press conference to share the findings of the anti-corruption watchdog’s study titled “The 12th Parliament Election Process Tracking.”

Source: UNB