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The European Union's Election Exploratory Mission has sat down with the ruling Awami League to assess the overall political landscape in the lead-up to the next general election in Bangladesh.
A nine-strong delegation of the Awami League, led by the party's General Secretary Obaidul Quader, met with EU representatives at the Sheraton Dhaka hotel in Banani on Saturday, reports bdnews24.com.
According to live streaming of several news outlets, Obaidul Quader addressed a press conference after the meeting.
He told the reporters that the European Union expressed their desire to see a free, fair and peaceful election based on the constitution, sovereignty and existing legal system of Bangladesh.
He said the delegation of the ruling party also conveyed the commitment of the Awami League-led government for a free, fair and peaceful election.
The six-member EU delegation also met with the BNP and the Jatiya Party earlier in the day.
Casting doubt on the prospects of a fair election, the BNP told the EU panel that it would not participate in the election if it was held under the Awami League government.
However, the BNP’s calls for a neutral election-time government have been roundly rejected by the Awami League. Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, reiterated that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would remain in office during the elections.