Suspecting election manipulation reflects US lack of understanding: Foreign minister

Suspecting manipulations in the election reflects the US' lack of understanding, foreign minister AK Abdul Momen has said.

He made this remark while answering a query from a newsman after the inauguration of e-gate activities at Sylhet Osmani International Airport.

AK Abdul Momen said, "Awami League has always formed the government through elections. The party never manipulated the election. So their doubt in this regard reflects a lack of knowledge and an understanding of history. They may be not observing the issues properly. We hope they will study history."

"Our country was established for democracy, human rights and the rule of law. We have promised and our prime minister has promised that the next election will be free, fair and acceptable. We want to hold the election with the participation of all. We and our party believe in, 'I will cast my vote, and vote for whom I want'. This is our slogan."

Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen also said, "72 per cent of the people of America think the democracy in their country is weak. 77 per cent of Republicans think the last presidential election was a fraud election. This is their mindset. The mindset of a section of people in our country is the same. We don't need any dictation from others. Let them see themselves in the mirror."

Pointing out the low turn out in the US election, the foreign minister said, "On an average, less than 50 per cent of people cast their votes (In the US). Some 72pc, 80pc and 90pc votes are cast in our country. There was good turn out in the latest election of Gaibandha. Our election becomes participatory, spontaneous and joyous. Election campaigns begin just one month ago in that country. But the campaign starts about a year ago in our country."

"Observers will be allowed in the election and we have nothing to hide," he added.

AK Abdul Momen said, "The quality of passports will increase further through the e-gate activities and then we would not need visas to go to many countries. Many countries are interested in signing visa free agreements with us. This is positive."

The foreign minister said another passport office needs to be established in Sylhet as people face various problems and there are huge crowds.

He said e-gate activities will be beneficial to people, and especially expatriates face problems when they come home during the holiday. Their sufferings will decrease if e-gate activities start delivering service.