The USA yesterday said both major political parties should empower “trusted lieutenants” to undertake constructive dialogue in order to hold elections that were credible in the eyes of Bangladeshi people.
The US Embassy in Dhaka in a statement made the call in the backdrop of the ongoing violence and political stalemate over the polls-time government.
“We believe all parties should have space to freely and peacefully express their views. The government bears responsibility to provide such space; the opposition parties bear responsibility to use such space in a peaceful manner,” the US embassy statement said.
Washington believed that with goodwill, the two parties could still find a way to stage free, fair and credible elections that the Bangladeshi people want and deserve, the statement said.
The statement also said: “As Assistant Secretary Biswal made clear during her visit to Bangladesh, violence is not part of the democratic process, is not acceptable and must stop immediately.”
The senseless violence of past days was particularly reprehensible as it intentionally targeted innocent people with bombs and by burning them alive in vehicles, it added.
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Dan W Mozena yesterday called on several ministers including Public Works Minister Tofail Ahmed, Information Minister Hasanul Haq and Environment and Forest Minister Hassan Mahmud at their offices.
Mozena told reporters at the secretariat that the upcoming visit of the UN Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs Oscar Fernandez Taranco was a great opportunity for Bangladesh to break the impasse centering the election.
The US envoy also emphasised on the participation of all parties in the 10th national elections.
After the meeting with Mozena, Tofail told journalists: “The US envoy expressed his concerns over the ongoing violence and stressed the participation of all parties in the upcoming polls.”
Meanwhile, Canadian High Commissioner in Dhaka Heather Cruden in a statement urged all parties to end violence and work towards a peaceful resolution.
“It is still possible for all parties and political organisations to find a negotiated solution, if there is political will, to ensure that the upcoming general election is transparent, inclusive, credible and peaceful,” the statement said.
Canada “is dismayed” by the continued escalation of violence in Bangladesh, which has led to innocent people being killed and injured.
The current instability damaged the commercial environment, particularly for small businesses, and might have long term consequences for the national economy that might not be easily reversed, the Canadian envoy added.