AppId is over the quota
Dhaka, Feb 20 (UNB) - Visiting British Foreign Office Minister Baroness Sayeeda Warsi on Wednesday advocated for democratic process and choosing the ballot for defeating views of any political party which are not liked by others instead of banning those.
“I fundamentally believe that you don’t get rid of views by banning them…defeat views by challenging them and beating them through the ballot box,” she told reporters at a crowded press conference in the city before wrapping up her three-day Dhaka visit.
She also said, “There’re always parties in all countries which views or whose views you may not like or people may not like. And the way you defeat those views is through the ballot box.”
Justifying her ballot box suggestion, the UK minister said, “Because that’s the say of the people and that’s the most power of democracy.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Warsi said she does not believe that the banning of a political party is the best way to win the battle of ideas but the public can decide what kind of future they want for Bangladesh. “I don’t believe the banning of a political party is the best way to actually achieve a winning in the battle of ideas.”
Responding to a question on Shahbagh Protest, Warsi said she does not think that youths are on the streets only for demanding death penalty of the war crimes accused.
“…I think they want a transparent government, they want politicians to listen them. I think they want to feel that they can make a difference in the nation and they want to live in a country which is economically sound and stable which they have brighter future,” the minister said.
She, however, disagreed with the death penalty demand saying, “We’ve campaign against the death penalty across the world.”
Warsi supported the government efforts to bring the war crimes accused under trial and said, “It’s important for Bangladesh.”
The UK minister also appreciated the youths for their peaceful and violence-free protests here.
Asked whether the UK would like to mediate between two major political parties ahead of the crucial polls she said the UK does not want it. “I think the political parties have enough political will for discussion within them. They have the capacity.”
Asked what would be UK’s role if the military returns again like 2007, she said, “I really don’t want to make speculate.”
Warsi reiterated that most things should be resolved through discussions and in a democratic process.
Responding to a question on the next crucial polls, she said there is a need for all political parties to be part of the election process which should be free, fair and inclusive one.
Warsi said she spoke to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia and Foreign Minister Dipu Moni on exactly that issue (next polls).
“The elections are an opportunity for Bangladesh to advance and cement its reputation as a stable and responsible democracy. I hope, all political parties will engage in constructive dialogue,” she added.
The UK minister also hoped that all political parties, the Election Commission and civil society can work together towards credible elections that are inclusive and transparent. “How this is done is for Bangladesh to decide.”
On trade and investment, she said Bangladesh has a great economic story when many countries are maintaining low growth.
Warsi found transparency as a big challenge to grow business and said, “We can improve trade and investment between the two countries.”
“Britain is very much open for business. We’re committed to ensuring that highly skilled Bangladeshi workers, businesspeople, students and tourists view the UK as one of the best places to invest and do business, study and visit.”
Before the press conference, Warsi visited one of the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar today to assess the humanitarian situation of the Rohingya refuses.
The minister said, “I witnessed for myself the seriousness of the humanitarian situation and the resilience of the affected communities…The UK along with the rest of the international community has been pressing the Burmese government to find a long-term solution.”
She said it is important though that humanitarian aid continues to be allowed to reach the Rohingya people.
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