Representatives of the European Union (EU) missions in Dhaka on Wednesday stressed a politically acceptable and constituently viable mechanism about the form of election-time government.
“We believe a politically acceptable and constituently viable mechanism can be agreed upon,” Ambassador William Hanna, EU Head of Delegation to Bangladesh, told a joint press conference at a hotel in the capital, reports UNB.
He hoped Bangladesh’s parties would soon reach a consensus about the form of government to be in place during the electoral period. “We would urge major parties to engage in constructive discussions at the earliest opportunity, so the country can find a way forward towards free, fair and credible elections,” Hanna said.
Expressing deep concern about the excessive levels of political confrontation in Bangladesh, Hanna called on the main parties to engage in constructive dialogue, inside and outside parliament. “The mounting political violence in recent months, including attacks on minorities and their homes and places of worship, is of particular concern.”
The EU and its member states are the main contributors to the project to strengthen election management, in support of the Election Commission, in the run-up to the general election and beyond. “The EU stands ready to send an Election Observation Mission to Bangladesh for the next general election.”
Responding to a question on the possibility of military intervention, he said: “I don’t want to speculate about the future.”
He said they would continue to work with Bangladesh Election Commission. “Much progress has been made.”
While responding to another question, Hanna said it is not for them to make any decisions, but it is for the government and the people of Bangladesh to make decisions.
British High Commissioner Robert Gibson, German Ambassador Dr Albrecht Conze, Italian Ambassador Giorgio Guglielmino, Spanish Ambassador Luis Tejada Chacon, Charge d'Affaires of the Danish Embassy Lene Volkersen, Charge d'Affaires of the Swedish Embassy Karin Rohlin, Charge d'Affaires of the Dutch Embassy Carel Richter and Charge d'Affaires of the French Embassy Babou Kamichetty were also present.
Responding to a question, Gibson said dialogue, debate and discussion are the means of resolving problems, and it is for the government and the people of Bangladesh to decide its future. He urged all parties to refrain from unleashing violence, and reiterated his call for dialogue.
While responding to a question on labour issue, William Hanna said they are ready to work with Bangladesh, and mentioned that Germany and GIZ are already working on that.
On the improvement of labour standard, he said it has to be done now. “We call upon the Bangladeshi authorities to act immediately to ensure that factories across the country comply with international labour standards, including International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions.”
The EU missions’ representatives expressed their sadness at the terrible loss of lives following the collapse of a building containing factories in Savar last month.
“As the EU is Bangladesh’s largest trade partner, its representatives are concerned about labour conditions, including health and safety provisions, established for workers in factories across the country,” Hanna said.
He said the EU stands ready to assist Bangladesh in any way it can to meet the required international standards, and welcomed the recent high-level mission of the ILO.
The joint press conference was arranged on the eve of Europe Day to be celebrated on May 9.