Online Desk: Information and Broadcasting Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud today said expression of foreigner observers to monitor the upcoming national election is a manifestation of amiable atmosphere for holding a free and fair election in the country.

“The interests of foreign observers have proved that the next election in Bangladesh will be free, fair and participatory. Foreign observers’ arrival will help immensely to hold a transparent and credible election,” he said while exchanging views with reporters at his office at secretariat here.

Dr Hasan said there was an apprehension before the announcement of the poll schedule including arrival of the foreign observers. But now many foreign organizations have expressed their keen interest to observe the poll, he said.

Referring to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Dr Hasan said apart from European Union election observers from many countries including India, Japan, OIC, Palestine and Arabian League will come to oversee the poll. This proved that a festive mood is prevailing across the country and voters are eagerly waiting for exercising their franchise, he said.

Those persons who are trying and calling blockade to foil the poll could also realize that a good election would be held with the huge participation of voters, he said.

Pointing out recent reshuffle in the local administration the minister said the Election Commission (EC) is working independently. The government and Prime Minister repeatedly registered their firm commitment to provide all out support to the EC to hold a free and fair election.

Replying to a query over increasing price of some essential items, Dr Hasan said price of most of the commodities including meat and vegetables declined in the last two weeks. But, the price of onion has shoot up suddenly after the announcement of stopping onion exports by Indian government, he said.

“It is nothing, but manifestation of the dishonest mentality of our few wholesale and retail traders,” the minister said hoping that price will fall down soon as drives against the dishonest traders are going on.