'All parties must try to stop election centric violence'

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Friday said all parties will have to demonstrate willingness and sincerity to stop violence, noting that the election-centric violence is in a declining trend. 

"We will not allow anyone to obstruct the polls. We hope all parties will demonstrate sincerity and willingness to stop violence," he told reporters after attending a function in the city.

Momen said BNP in the name of peaceful rally attacked innocent people and destroyed properties and set over hundred vehicles on fire. 

"Their (BNP) key aim was to carry out arson attacks and destruction of properties," Momen said. 

Describing Awami League as a pro-election political party, he hoped that BNP will earn maturity and walk towards polls avoiding violence.

"We want to see a model election," said the Foreign Minister. 

Responding to a question, Momen said the US wants a free and fair election and Bangladesh has a similar commitment. 

“There are US comments everyday on Bangladesh's domestic issues as some Bangladeshis forcibly try to involve the US officials in Bangladesh's domestic affairs. It is very unfortunate that they are trying to destroy their own country," Momen said.

Momen said Awami League always came to power through elections, not through any back-door. "We want election."

Earlier, the foreign minister spoke as the chief guest at 'International Charity Bazar' hosted by the Foreign Officer Spouses Association (FOSA) at the Foreign Service Academy.

Diplomats stationed in Dhaka and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present.