JS polls observation: US yet to confirm, Japan interested

The United States has not yet confirmed its decision to send election observers to the 7 January parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, foreign ministry spokesperson Seheli Sabrin said in Dhaka on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Japan has expressed interest in sending a 16-member team of election observers, said Seheli Sabrinreplying to a question during the foreign ministry's weekly briefing at the ministry.

In addition, India, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Arab League and Palestine have confirmed their commitment to sending election observers. India will send three observers while Palestine will send six.

The European Union Election Expert Mission currently visiting Bangladesh will remain in the country until 21 January, according to the spokesperson.

Seheli Sabrin mentioned that they have received additional applications, which are currently under review.

"The Election Commission will be notified once their participation is confirmed," added the spokesperson.

On 7 December, Election Commission Secretary Jahangir Alam disclosed that they had received 179 applications, including 131 for observers and 48 for journalists, to monitor the national elections.

The deadline for foreign observers to apply concluded on 7 December, and the Election Commission is scheduled to approve them by 16 December.

Legal process on to repatriate Chowdhury Mueen-Uddin, Ashrafuzzaman

The legal process for repatriating Chowdhury Mueen-Uddin and Ashrafuzzaman Khan, who have been sentenced to death for their involvement in the martyrs' intellectuals killing, continues, said Seheli Sabrin.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is always maintaining contact with the governments of the countries where they are residing and legal proceedings are underway to repatriate them," she said.

Due to the confidentiality of the legal process, all information is not being shared with the media, said Seheli Sabrin.

Chowdhury Mueen-Uddin has been living in Britain and Ashrafuzzaman Khan in the United States for the past few decades.

On November 3, 2013, the International Crime Tribunal sentenced the two to death in a case of crimes against humanity.

Foreign Minister Momen in Qatar to attend 'Doha Forum 2023'

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen is attending the 'Doha Forum 2023' in Qatar. The two-day Forum began on Sunday, Seheli Sabrin said.

Momen left Dhaka for Doha on a three-day official visit at the invitation of the Qatari prime minister, who also holds the foreign ministry portfolio, she said.

She said the foreign minister will attend a number of high-level meetings including a panel discussion on Covid-19 and vaccine development and another high-level panel discussion on "Changing Priorities in Global Trade."

The Doha Forum is a platform that welcomes a diversity of viewpoints, reflecting the many perspectives and interests of all people, especially those whose voices are often ignored.

It is founded on the belief that constructive dialogue is the best – if not the only – way to create sustainable safety, justice and freedom in an interconnected world.

Building on previous editions, engaging the most current discourse, and setting the stage for future action, Doha Forum 2023 will ask how countries can build interconnected futures of prosperity and well-being.