New Canadian envoy for talks on polls

"We strongly encourage both parties to come to the table with genuine willingness to find compromises and accommodations that will encourage Bangladeshis… I believe a solution could be worked out," she said in an interview with the UNB at her office.

About the current debates over voter list, Richardson said it is the job of the Election Commission to ensure an accurate list containing genuine voters, though it is difficult to enlist each and every voter in a populated country like Bangladesh.

"The Election Commission can sort out any problem or irregularity and make the list accurate as much as possible. That's the job of the Election Commission," she said, adding that people have also duty to make sure that their names are on the list.

Asked about the pre-election unrest and violence on the issue of electoral reforms, Richardson said in a democracy there will certainly be disagreement, but it also requires leadership to push the parties to work things out without violence and hostility.

Asked about any mediation by development partners to break the current political standoff, the envoy said if invited by both the parties, Canada and many other countries might be willing to help in a way that would be useful for Bangladesh.

"If we are invited by both sides to assist in a way they thought would be helpful, my country is prepared to do what is useful," she said. "But", she hastened to add, "it is not us to solve the problem. It is the government and the opposition to resolve their disputes."

In reply to a question Richardson noted that ultimately it is the people of Bangladesh who would choose their government. "And it's the voters who will demand a free and fair election and their right to choose."

The envoy hoped that army would not get involved in politics and that both the political parties would be reasonable and accommodative for a peaceful election.