ET Desk: Terming Dhaka-Washington relations “very sweet”, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said Ambassador Peter Haas is a “friend” of Bangladesh.

“He (Peter Haas) is a friend of us. If you are friends then you will say good or bad things. They (US) are our friends and we like it (advices). We will ensure free and fair elections,” he said while talking to journalists.

He also claimed that the government was not harassing any politician ahead of elections, rather arresting “terrorists” engaged in arson and vandalism.

Dr Momen was replying to questions while emerging out of his office as different rights groups slammed government for the crackdown on the opposition ahead of January 7 election.

BNP boycotted the election citing no confidence to the government and the election process. Their October 28 public rally turned violent. Following that, the government arrested many of the BNP leaders and activists. BNP is enforcing blockades and hartals since then.

Peter Haas was active in brokering talks between the parties before the announcement of the election schedule by the Election Commission.

The foreign minister, however, said that the government was not harassing any politician.

“We are arresting the terrorists…those who killed people, torched buses and destroyed properties…the whole world is zero tolerant to terrorists,” he said, adding that the home ministry is taking action by watching CCTV footage.

Replying to a question, Dr Momen said Bangladesh is an ideal country when it comes to defending human rights.

“Look at Gaza, what is happening there. In many developed countries, people are killed in clubs, schools, anywhere,” he said, adding that Bangladesh can give lessons to others on human rights.

Replying to a question on US’ position, he said: “We have very sweet relations.”

Referring to his recent visit to Ghana, he said: “We organized a UN peacekeeping program jointly with the US there.”

“We are looking forward to strengthening the relationship further,” he said.

“Of course, we all want free and fair elections. They (US) want a non-violent election. We said it depends on all parties’ willingness,” he said, adding that the “US advise us because they are our friends.”

When asked about Peter Haas’ meeting with the civil aviation and any chance of buying aircrafts from Boeing before the election, the foreign minister said, there is no relations of selling anything with the election.

“All countries want to sell their products. It’s natural. Our diplomats also want to sell our products. It’s very normal,” he said, asking journalists not to bother Peter Haas.

He, however, said as part of the diversification the government would buy aircrafts from the Airbus.