Former President Carter in Bangladesh

[Gauracandra 1]

 

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — Former President Jimmy Carter said Saturday that Bangladesh's major political groups have endorsed his suggestions for violence-free and credible general elections in October.

 

Carter's recommendations included renouncing violence and intimidation as political tools, running issue-based campaigns, accepting the people's verdict and working together in a new Parliament.

 

"If the commitments are honored, it will make an important contribution to achieving democratic elections, advancing the democratic progress and improving future governance," Carter told reporters at the end of his three-day visit.

 

Carter led a five-member delegation to assess Bangladesh's preparations for the fall elections. The visit was sponsored by the Washington-based National Democratic Institute.

 

He said the future of democracy in Bangladesh was "very bright" because elections held in 1991 and 1996 were free and fair.

 

Carter met with top political leaders, local election observers and prominent citizens during his visit.

 

However, the Communist Party of Bangladesh, a small group with no representation in 300-seat Parliament, described Carter's visit as an interference in Bangladesh's internal affairs.

 

"We welcome election observers. But we will never tolerate any direct interference in government affairs and national politics," the CPB said in a statement on Saturday.

 

"We're here just to observe and advise," Carter said.

 

Sheikh Hasina stepped down as the prime minister on July 15 to enable a caretaker administration to oversee the voting.

 

Hasina was the first prime minister to serve out a full five-year term in this South Asian nation, whose 30-year history has been plagued with political violence.