India hopes for free and fair polls in Bangladesh

New Delhi, Jan 3 (UNI) India today said the election machinery in Bangladesh should instil confidence in its neutrality in the mind of the electorate and hoped that the people of that country elect a government of their own choice.

An External Affairs Ministry spokesman said India was interested in Bangladesh remaining a peaceful democratic and stable nation.

The comment comes following today's decision by the Awami League led-political alliance to boycott the elections.

''As a friendly neighbour, we are naturally interested in Bangladesh remaining peaceful, democratic and stable. The election machinery in Bangladesh should inspire confidence in its neutrality in the mind of the electorate. It is our hope that the people of Bangladesh will be able to elect a government of their own choice in a free, fair, credible and democratic election,'' the spokesman said in response to a question on the political developments in that country.

Bangladesh, which is going to the polls on January 22, has witnsessed protests and demonstrations during the past few days. At least 35 people have been killed in violent demonstrations during the past two months since the caretaker government took over on October 29.

In the latest developments, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed's Awami League-led political alliance announced its decision to boycott the elections alleging possible rigging under the present caretaker government.

Her alliance partners include the Jatiya Party and the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

The Jatiya Party had announced its decision to boycott the polls yesterday.

UNI