Expressing deep concern over the spate of violence centring polls, the European Union, Germany and France yesterday asked Bangladesh government and all political parties to find a political way through dialogue.
EU Foreign Affairs Spokesman Michael Mann in a statement said: “We strongly condemn the acts of violence which have occurred both on the run up to the elections and during the elections.”
According to the statement, the EU has taken note of the elections. “We are following the situation very closely through our delegation and through the embassies of our member states in Dhaka.”
Referring to the recent violent attacks on the minority community, Germany called upon all political forces to refrain from any sort of violence and intimidation, especially against religious minorities. In a statement, it said the elections were an extremely poor reflection of the electorate’s will.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs also called upon the major political parties to resume dialogue within the framework of the country’s democratic institutions. “We call on all parties to demonstrate calm and restraint and encourage the main political forces to resume dialogue,” a statement said.