Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen on Saturday said that he was not aware that dialogue between political parties over election brought any results in the past.

He said the government would not talk to ‘any terrorists.’

The foreign minister said that such dialogues were not held in other countries, including in the United States, and referred to those as ‘useless’ discussion.

Momen was responding to questions on political dialogue at DCAB Talk at the Foreign Service Academy.

He said foreigners can come and observe the elections. ‘We remain transparent. We have nothing to hide.’

Momen said the next election would be held as per the constitution. ‘We have a good track record of holding good elections. We are doing our best.’

Responding to a question on recent remarks by China and Russia, he said those were their remarks. ‘You may ask them.’

Momen said that democracy was a dynamic process and it became mature through practice.

He said the next election would be a model election in the world. ‘We want all parties, who are willing, to join the elections.’

The foreign minister also said that there would be no problem if any ‘terrorist party’ did not join the election.

He also expressed displeasure over ‘seeking solutions’ of Bangladesh’s internal issues from foreigners, especially from diplomats stationed in Dhaka.

‘I believe media will not be playing a supportive role to that end,’ he said.

Momen said that diplomats came to Bangladesh to promote bilateral relations between their countries and Bangladesh.

The foreign minister said that the image of Bangladesh had undergone a complete change over the past decade.

‘Bangladesh is not a country of terrorists and terrorism activities. That is a great achievement of prime minister Sheikh Hasina,’ Momen remarked.

Regarding the next national election, the foreign minister said the government was committed to holding a fair election free of violence.

‘It requires sincere commitment from all parties to make that happen,’ he said.

The foreign minister highlighted the achievements of the government and its efforts to boost export through diversification.

He said Bangladesh’s investment intention rate was very high but in some cases implementation got slowed down.

The foreign minister said Bangladesh was a peacebuilding nation.

He said that democracy, human rights and justice — these were in the DNA of Bangladesh.

The foreign minister said the government was maintaining good relations with the neighbouring countries.

He also said that the government remained prudent in taking foreign loans.

As far as countries are concerned, maximum loans came from Japan while major loans came from the ADB, IMF and World Bank, he added.

Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh hosted the event. DCAB president Rezaul Karim Lotus and general secretary Emrul Kayesh also spoke on the occasion.