Japan expects ‘better elections’

Japanese ambassador in Dhaka Ito Naoki on Tuesday said that Japan hoped that the next national election in Bangladesh would be held in a free and fair manner. ‘Japan hopes for a better election than the previous one,’ he said responding to a question at the DCAB Talks at the Press Club.

The diplomat said that the media should be given space leading up to the next elections to be held in the end of 2023. He said that the government should take some measures from now on for holding better elections.

According to a UNB repot, the Japanese ambassador said that the inauguration of mega project Padma Bridge would boost foreign investors’ confidence on Bangladesh.

‘This is going to be a wonderful moment,’ he said highlighting the growing presence of quality infrastructure in Bangladesh. DCAB president Rezaul Karim Lotus moderated the programme while its general secretary AKM Moinuddin delivered welcome remarks.

Ambassador Naoki said the direct flight operations between Dhaka and Narita would soon begin that would give a sense of confidence among investors. He said Covid-19 pandemic delayed the overall preparations.

Naoki said there was growing interest among the Japanese investors to come and invest in Bangladesh. The ambassador highlighted five factors, including growing quality infrastructure and stable environment.

He said Bangladesh was becoming a very important destination for investment. He said that the Dhaka Metro rail would begin its commercial operation by December this year.

The ambassador also updated on Bangladesh Special Economic Zone in Araihazar which was also getting ready to host investment. He also talked about recently launched Indo-Pacific Economic Framework with 13 countries including Japan.

The envoy laid emphasis on early repatriation of the Rohingyas but reminded that there was a political reality which was a very difficult issue. ‘This is a very difficult situation,’ he said, adding that they were calling for restoration of democracy halting violence.