Following a meeting with LGRD Minister and BNP Secretary General Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, the EU delegation told the media that they talked about creating the right atmosphere for holding free and fair elections.

"We want to see an independent and strong Election Commission that is free from the PMO's authority and there should be transparency and accountability in the works of the EC," said delegation leader Nikolaus Scherk.

Earlier after a meeting with the foreign minister, Scherk told reporters that the EU is discussing the issue of sending long- and short-term election observers to Bangladesh to monitor the next general elections.

"This is an ongoing programme...if we can make a contribution, we would be ready to work with the government and we also have access to the civil society here," added Scherk, director for Asia Pacific at the Austrian foreign ministry.

He said the EU troika is here on its first-ever mission to address the problems of functioning democracy, find out areas of cooperation to overcome the problems and "look for a solution."

"Any manipulation in the run-up to elections should be avoided to hold credible polls," he said, adding, "I think this could be a milestone and a key step towards the development of the country."

Describing the people of Bangladesh as "deeply attached to the democratic process", Scherk said they are also looking for a free and fair election for which they will hold their politicians accountable as this is important for the future of Bangladesh.

The EU delegation leader further said that a free and fair election is also important for the image of the country abroad because "today's world is now one and a crisis in one country has repercussions all over the globe."

"So, we came here as concerned friends...we don't wish to interfere, but we wish to comment and work together," Scherk said.

He, however, expressed concern over the problems of divisiveness of confrontational nature of the political discourse. "Parliament is the natural place for having debates, but this is 'not functioning' as it is supposed to be," Scherk said.

Scherk met separately with Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan, Foreign Affairs Advisor Reaz Rahman and Foreign Secretary Hemayetuddin and said they had "frank and honest" exchanges on issues concerning the EU and Bangladesh.

"We have found from the Bangladesh government's side eagerness to listen to us to find out areas where we can cooperate to overcome the problems that exist here," he said.

Replying to a question on terrorism, he said Bangladesh government is addressing extremism and terrorism seriously.

He said the problems of terrorism and extremism have international dimension because the terrorists receive funds from abroad. "The fight against terrorism is a concerted effort...and we have expressed our readiness to work with the government in combating extremism and terrorism," Scherk told reporters.

The EU delegation also raised the issues of human rights and good governance, he said.

Later, briefing reporters, Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan said Bangladesh will welcome EU observers to monitor the future elections but disagreed to accept any outside mediation on the election process.

On the issue of EC reforms, he said, "We feel that the Election Commission is functioning independently and three free, fair and acceptable general elections have been held consecutively under the present structure of the electoral process."

He, however, said there is room for improvement, which could be done through discussions.

Earlier, after the meeting with Foreign Affairs Advisor Reaz Rahman at his office, Scherk said the EU is willing to continue to work with Bangladesh government on the issues of mutual concerns as the EU is the country's largest trading partner and aid donor.

EU delegation meets Mannan
Later, the EU delegation met Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan at his official residence.

The troika suggested a few things to the minister regarding an independent and strong EC, a delegation member said.

The EU delegation also offered assistance to root out militancy from the country and urged the government to strengthen its efforts to arrest the top brass of the militant groups.

UNB adds: A delegation of the Awami League comprising former ambassadors Faruq Ahmed Chowdhury and Mahmud Ali, Syed Abul Hossain MP and Saber Hossain Chowdhury yesterday met the EU troika at the EU office at Baridhara. They discussed issues relating to the next parliamentary polls, terrorism, corruption, human rights and governance.

After the meeting, former ambassador Chowdhury told UNB, "We have explained our viewpoints on the current situation and told them that a free and fair election is not possible under the circumstances."

Nikolaus Scherk did not make any comment on the meeting.