'We follow Westminster type of democracy in Bangladesh': Sheikh Hasina tells British MPs

"The next election will be held as per the constitution," Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim quoted the premier as saying while briefing reporters after the call on at Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

The four British MPs, who called on her, are - Rushanara Ali, Jonathan Reynolds, Mohammed Yasin and Tom Hunt.

According to the press secretary, the prime minister said the Election Commission of Bangladesh is very much independent.

"We follow your Westminster type of democracy. We don't have any problem if an election observer comes," she told the British MPs.

Sheikh Hasina mentioned that Awami League (AL), as a political party, has a long tradition of fighting for the restoration of democracy from the military rulers in the past.

She said the military rulers used to grab the state power using guns and then descended to politics after forming political parties.

Sheikh Hasina urged the British MPs to take initiative to stop the Russia-Ukraine war, saying that as a result of sanctions and counter-sanctions, countries like Bangladesh are suffering in many ways.

She said that food grains, essentials and edible oils used to come from Ukraine. "But due to the war, importing of those items is being hindered resulting in its price hike," she added.

The prime minister urged the UK entrepreneurs to come up with the investment in the 100 economic zones in Bangladesh.

"We will welcome the UK investment there," she said.