India hopes for free, fair polls in Bangladesh

New Delhi, Sep 3 (UNI) India today hoped that the people of Bangladesh would be able to choose their representatives in a free, fair and democratic process.

An External Affairs Ministry spokesman, while commenting on the arrest of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, said full and early restoration of democracy and law and respect for individual rights would contribute to a stable, democratic and prosperous Bangladesh.

''We have seen reports to this effect. We hope that the people of Bangladesh will be enabled to choose their representatives in a free, fair and democratic process. In our view, the early and full restoration of democracy, due process of law and respect for individual rights will contribute to the evolution of a stable, democratic and prosperous Bangladesh.'' Bangladesh security forces detained Begum Zia today for alleged corruption.

Bangladesh Police said they had recorded a corruption case against Begum Zia, her son Arafat Rahman and 11 others yesterday.

Her other son Tareque Rahman was detained in March on similar charges.

More than 170 other senior political figures have been detained in Bangladesh since a military-backed interim government took over the country in January.

The External Affairs Ministry spokesman had, last week, said India continued to watch developments in Bangladesh closely and as a friendly neighbour, India was interested in a stable, democratic and prosperous Bangladesh.

''At this difficult time, it is our hope that the people of Bangladesh, their representatives, and their leaders will be afforded every lawful opportunity to take Bangladesh to the full restoration of democracy through peaceful, free and fair elections,'' the spokesman had said on August 27.

UNI