The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has said that it expects the positive role of Russia alongside other international community in restoring democracy in Bangladesh.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi expressed the expectation in a statement released to the media on Saturday (November 25).

The party also criticised the statement made by Maria Zakharova, spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, regarding Bangladesh, stating that such remarks have hurt the sentiments of the Bangladeshi people who aspire for democracy.

Earlier on November 22, Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, made a remark via Russian MFA's X (Twitter) handle with an allegation that says, "At the end of October, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas met with a member of the local opposition to discuss plans for organising anti-government rallies."

She also accused the US Ambassador of "interfering in Bangladesh's internal politics". Zakharova message was also shared on the verified Facebook page of the Russian Embassy in Dhaka.

Criticising Zakharova's statement, Rizvi said, "The spokesperson's remarks are in conflict with the aspirations and position of the Bangladeshi people for a transparent and participatory election."

Rizvi also said the recent observation made by Russia regarding Bangladesh's politics and upcoming national elections is contradictory to the ambition of the general populace, while expecting a positive role from the country in "restoring democracy in Bangladesh".

BDST: 1803 HRS, NOV 25, 2023
MN/SMS