Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen has said that voter turnout is relatively higher in rural areas compared to Dhaka, and expressed optimism over healthy turnout of voters as the day progresses.
“I couldn’t cast my vote for many years as I was abroad. My father used to come with my mother. As my father passed away few years back, I came here to cast my vote with my mother,” he told reporters after casting his vote at the Teachers Training Centre under Dhaka-10 constituency.
Responding to a question, the foreign secretary said foreign observers are monitoring the polls since Sunday morning and they are willing to share their impressions after voting is completed, reports UNB.
Over 127 foreign observers are monitoring the polls apart from journalists from overseas.
“So far, the environment is peaceful,” he added.
The Election Commission is confident about holding the election through a transparent process, the Foreign Secretary said.
Turnout is a key factor but it needs to be seen whether the entire process was transparent and smooth, he said.
Asked about Western countries’ impression over the possible low voter turnout, the Foreign Secretary said it is for them to consider.
“If there is healthy turnout, it will go in favour of the election and its credibility,” he said.
The foreign secretary also said the foreigners who interacted with him personally expressed their concerns over the deaths of people in arson attacks on trains.
The foreign observers and some of the diplomats are monitoring the polls. They will talk to the media after 5pm on Sunday.
