We won't let anyone ruin elections: Momen

Foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said the government would not allow anyone to ruin the next polls as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is committed to holding a free and fair national election.

"If anyone wants to obstruct the polls, we will not allow that. Nobody can create a barrier and if anyone tries to create it we will punish them," he told journalists at the foreign ministry here this afternoon.

He said Bangladesh Awami League is a pro-election party and will take part in the polls as the party believes in the election and relies on the people and their verdict.

Replying to a question on the United States' urge for unconditional political dialogue on general elections, the foreign minister said, it is irrelevant what foreigners say, but it is relevant what people say.

"We don't listen to them (foreigners) unless it is practical and reasonable," he said, adding that people are waiting for the polls eagerly.

He said they do not want arson attacks while BNP destroyed public properties and set 154 vehicles on fire since October 28.

"We don't want to see any violence .. we (the government) have the responsibility to protect public properties, we will not allow killing people," he added.

The foreign minister said the BNP is a big party but they should prove it through their works.

Replying to another query regarding the human rights situation in Bangladesh, Dr Momen said those who are criticizing Bangladesh's human rights are actually sleeping and they do not talk about brutality in Gaza.

/KN/