Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday said that interest of foreign observers in the poll proves that a transparent, fair and participatory election is going to be held in the country and their arrival will be very conducive to ensuring a fair election.

He said this while exchanging views with journalists on contemporary issues in the meeting room of his ministry's premises at the Secretariat.

Hasan Mahmud said that before the announcement of the schedule and during the beginning of the election process, many people expressed many apprehensions. But now it is being seen that foreign observers from many countries are expressing interest in the poll.

“That's why those who were in a dilemma over whether to send observers or not, have now decided to observe the election. I think that the arrival of these election observers is very helpful in holding a transparent, free and fair election,” Mahmud, also a joint secretary general of the ruling party.

Mentioning that the Election Commission is working independently and strongly, the information minister said that you have already seen that the Election Commission has taken some very strong steps, such as the transfer of OCs of different police stations, the transfer of UNOs and even the transfer of DCs.

The minister said that during the previous election commissions, there was no such extensive transfer. Even DC transfers were made only once or twice. In other words, taking such steps is proof that the Election Commission is working in a completely independent and neutral manner.