Civil society has raised question if the international community has deviated from its position on the democratic system of Bangladesh after the January 5 general election.
“Many have questioned whether there is a deviation between pre- and post-election position of the international community,” distinguished fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue Debapriya Bhattacharya said after a meeting with the visiting European Union Parliament delegation yesterday.
“Before the election, it took a hard stand, but many expressed doubt after the election whether it continues to maintain the same position,” he said.
In reply the delegation informed that there was no change in the political position.
Led by Jean Lambert, chairperson of the delegation for relations with South Asia, the delegation undertook a mission to Bangladesh from March 24-25.
About the next election, the CPD fellow said, they discussed when, how and in what process it should be done.
“After the election, the EU on January 9 issued a statement where it mentioned a genuine dialogue and on that basis, it urged all to complete the process of holding an inclusive election,” he said.
Many of the participants gave their general views that dialogue is needed, but there is confusion as to whether both sides are equally interested to hold it.
“They are interested to know the civil society’s perspective on the post-election situation in Bangladesh,” he said.
They inquired about whether the civil society is under pressure, whether media is enjoying freedom and how the judiciary is functioning, issues of the judiciary and minorities and upazila elections.
Transparency International Bangladesh Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said they wanted to know about the challenges of democratic space.
Jean Lambert said they discussed human rights and current situation with the civil society.
They also discussed what sort of engagement they have with the new parliament and with the government, she said.
The European Union Parliament mission came ahead of the first anniversary of the catastrophic Rana Plaza building collapse.
The delegation met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.