Appreciating Bangladesh’s development under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, the United Nations has expressed their desire to see a "free, fair, peaceful and inclusive" election in Bangladesh, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said.
"It is a different meeting that we had with other diplomats. The election issue also came up for discussion. They want a free, fair, inclusive, and peaceful election," Quader told reporters after a meeting with UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis on Thursday afternoon.
The Awami League general secretary said the UN has no headache over the conditions pressed by the BNP, like election under a caretaker government, the PM's resignation and the dissolution of parliament.
"We want to see a competitive election," Quader said, adding that it would be a credible one.
"We cannot force them (BNP to join polls)," said the Awami League leader.
Quader said that though their previous meetings with other diplomats were mainly related to the election, Thursday's meeting was a bit different.
They talked about the UN-set Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN resident coordinator also appreciated all the big development projects that are underway, he said.
Quader said the UN did not raise any points regarding BNP's conditions, but they will feel good if they see a peaceful election in Bangladesh.
