French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy is optimistic that the next national election in Bangladesh will be inclusive with regards to the participation of citizens, while noting that the government is preparing to organise "free and fair" polls in the country.

"I'm confident that the Election Commission is going to do a great job. That's clearly their intention. So, hopefully, it will be as inclusive as possible," she said while responding to a question.

Talking to a small group of journalists, including our diplomatic correspondent, Ambassador Masdupuy said it (inclusivity) all depends on the way it will be prepared.

"Of course, we all know about the banning of the activities of one historical party of Bangladesh," Ambassador Masdupuy said, obviously referring to the Awami League. Continuing that train of thought, she adds: "Until this (political) organisation reforms itself, apologises and some of its leaders are tried, we understand it will be very difficult for them to participate in any election."

Inclusivity, according to Ms Masdupuy, will involve the participation of the citizens and the support for as many political parties as possible, including the small ones and even independent candidates. "This will be more inclusive."

In May, the government issued a gazette notification banning all activities of the Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated organisations under the Anti-Terrorism Act, until the ongoing trials of the party's leaders in particular, can be completed at the repurposed International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). The Ambassador said they are very happy that the interim government, under the wise leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, has been engaging and committing itself to prepare the scene to hold "free and fair" elections.

She said they will support these efforts, including, if possible, by sending international, European observers because it is very important for Bangladesh to have an election that is held " very nicely and peacefully."

Chief Adviser Prof Yunus has already directed the law-enforcement agencies to complete all preparations by December this year for the upcoming parliamentary elections, likely to be held in February or April next year. Masdupuy said democracy is about 'liberty, equality, fraternity and inclusivity', and noted that the country is now heading towards 'truly democratic elections' under the 'wise and remarkable' leadership of Prof Yunus.

"The road is paved with many obstacles but courage and determination will no doubt allow removing them," she said.

Airbus still in business

Responding to a question on the possible purchase of aircraft from Airbus, Ms. Masdupuy brushed aside suggestions that talks had stalled. Au contraire, she said the discussions are still ongoing. "No, it's not stopped."

The interim government is considering new purchases of Boeing aircraft from the United States as part of Bangladesh's strategy to reduce the trade gap and avert the impact of a steep 35 percent tariff imposed by President Donald Trump which will be effective from August 1.

"We want a fair and level playing field for everybody. And we think your national carrier needs to have both Airbus and Boeing in its fleet," she said, noting that would provide the most diverse offering to the passengers of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

In June, Airbus Executive Vice President Wouter van Wersch called on Chief Adviser Prof Yunus in London and said, "We have identified Bangladesh as a key priority country."

Van Wersch said Airbus, which supplies 800 aircraft annually, also has expertise in manufacturing helicopters and fighter jets. He also added that if Bangladesh decides to add Airbus to the Biman fleet, 85 percent of the funding could be arranged through Export Credit Agency (ECA) financing.

Bilateral relations 'Positive'
The French Ambassador said they are very supportive of the current transition of the interim government, and they are keen to engage more with the government.

"So we understand that we need to be patient because of the review which is being done about many projects," she said, noting that they want to see them being more quickly implemented.

"Our relationship is very good. It always remains very positive. We are engaged in all sorts of cooperation with Bangladesh, and we wish to see more," said the experienced envoy, who has represented French interests in Bangladesh since the start of 2023.

The Ambassador reaffirmed France's commitment to supporting Bangladesh's development and strategic autonomy and announced upcoming cooperation in space technology, helping enhance Bangladesh`s sovereign capacity to monitor climate change through satellite data.