The European Union has urged all political actors to take concrete steps to end violence, de-escalate tensions and engage in a constructive manner, for the long-term stability and democratic development of Bangladesh.
A statement issued by Maja Kocijancic, the spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said in the run up to the vote for the mayoral elections in Dhaka and Chittagong, all sides must refrain from any actions that could spark further violence.
The European Union looks to political leaders to create favourable conditions for peaceful, inclusive, transparent and credible elections to take place. Voters must be given the opportunity to express their democratic choice freely.
Meanwhile, the US Embassy has confirmed that its observers will monitor the upcoming mayoral elections.
Earlier, the US and UK have expressed their concerns and condemned the political violence surrounding municipal elections in Dhaka.
Both the countries had issued statements last week, just after BNP chief Khaleda Zia’s motorcade came under attack while she was campaigning for a BNP-backed candidate.
The United States through a statement said it condemned in the strongest terms the use of violence for political objectives.
“We call on all of those involved in the municipal elections to uphold their responsibility to ensure the elections are free, fair, and non-violent,” the statement said.
It urged the security forces to permit free expression and association during the election campaign, to protect candidates against political violence, and to prosecute those who violate the law.
In a separate statement, British High Commissioner Robert W Gibson expressed concern over reports of violent incidents that have occurred during the past two weeks of campaigning for city corporation elections in Dhaka and Chittagong.
Gibson stressed that it was the responsibility of all political parties, as well as the law enforcement and election authorities, to ensure that the campaign is conducted without violence or intimidation.
The high commissioner said he looked forward to the electorate having a real democratic choice on April 28.