Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen MP on Sunday said that the government would definitely hold next general elections in a free and fair manner.
“I don’t listen to rumours. We will definitely hold free and fair elections. We have proved it in the last few elections. Each of them has been free, fair and violence-free,” he said.
He made the statement while participating in the general discussion on the proposed budget for the financial year 2023-2024 in Parliament.
Momen hoped that people would stand against the conspirators who want to create uncertainty in the country.
“You have proved again and again that you are not defeated by any foreign power. This time too, you will unite with the government and build a developed, prosperous country by confronting all kinds of foreign conspiracies,” Momen said.
He said that his ministry was emphasising on national and regional stability.
“(It is) so that the state and regional stability are not disturbed because of any kind of madness and terrorist activities and socio-economic instability. Various sections have attempted to destabilise the country. Beware of them,” he said.
Requesting the people of the country, he said: “Do not bring misfortune to the country by any kind of persuasion or urge.”
“We support you to achieve internal and regional stability in the country… A vested quarter may have grudge against the government of Bangladesh. They are moving towards the destruction of the country because of their hatred towards the government. We will tell their friends to be careful. Destroying the country will also harm you,”he added.
The minister made two proposals to increase the budget revenue and number of tax payers.
The first one is that all Bangladeshi citizens who have National Identity Cards should file their tax returns and the second one is those who transact above Tk 25,000 should do that through banks and cheques.
The foreign minister felt that national and regional stability is necessary to sustain the development of the country in the last 14 and a half years.
He said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is emphasising on national and regional stability.
He said that for the overall development of the country the government should be more efficient in implementing the projects.
The minister pointed out that many times the duration of the proposed projects is unnecessarily prolonged.
“This increases the cost of the project as well as the cost of the government. Hence more supervision is required to complete the projects within the stipulated time.”
In this regard, he mentioned about a country where if a project director fails to complete the project within the stipulated time he is suspended, jailed and fined.
“As a result the duration of the project does not increase…. I will be happy if you give attention to this matter,” the minister said.
