It is not possible to create major problem: Inam Ahmed Chowdhury
Awami League advisory council member and former chairman of Privatization Commission Inam Ahmed Chowdhury does not see 'the possibility of anything going wrong' in the over-activity of western countries surrounding the announcement of the schedule of the upcoming national elections.
This international development expert, who has served as an alternate governor of the World Bank and ADB, believes that America's attitude towards Bangladesh should change and they should act in a balanced manner out of differences in policy implementation.
Inam Ahmed Chowdhury said these things in an interview given to Barta24.com on Wednesday evening on the eve of the announcement of the national election schedule. Planning Editor Ashraful Islam talked with Enam Chowdhury.
Barta24.com: The role of Western diplomats is very strong this time regarding the national elections of Bangladesh. On the eve of the schedule announcement, US Ambassador Peter De Haas held several meetings in Dhaka today. Do you think we can get an election without foreign pressure..
Inam Ahmed Chowdhury: Details will be announced shortly. That election must be held freely and fairly—we hope so. I think the time for the dialogue that they (US) talked about is over. The primary phase of the election has begun. To say pressure...everyone wants fair and peaceful polls, that's right..if anyone wants to put any pressure there, pressure thing is not acceptable as an idea. There may be comments, as we may ask, for a change of attitude in America, for them to try to see all the countries of the world in a democratic way. We want that too. We call their role in Palestine undemocratic; we also want them to behave democratically there. They also want our democracy to be strong here; we also want them to follow democracy. This request should not be perceived as pressure. Another thing that should be emphasized is that the balance in the application of US policy should be the same in every country. Application standards should not be different. There will be one for Bangladesh and another for other countries, it should not be.
Barta24.com: What kind of situation do you think would happen if US expectations are not met?
Inam Ahmed Chowdhury: I don't think it will go far. I think their statement, they said, would be like a tempest in a teacup.
Barta24.com: In retrospect, the trend of American news coverage in different countries, is Bangladesh not in the same place as before?
Inam Ahmed Chowdhury: I can definitely remember that. We have come a long way in many areas. We will certainly consider their kind comments, if any, as per our policy, on a case-by-case basis. It is not possible that there will be any discussion about it.
Barta24.com: Do you see any risk in this election?
Inam Ahmed Chowdhury: There doesn't seem to be any risk. There may be some disturbance of the peace but it doesn't seem to be a big deal.
Barta24.com: What to say about the ongoing program of BNP-
Inam Ahmed Chowdhury: I don't like violence. I don't think violence will solve anything.