The European Union hopes that Bangladesh’s political parties will soon reach a consensus about the form of government to be in place during the election period.
“A politically acceptable and constituently viable mechanism can be agreed upon,” said Ambassador William Hanna, EU Head of Delegation to Bangladesh, at a press briefing on Wednesday.
The press briefing was held at a local hotel on the occasion of Europe Day.
The powerful bloc urged all political parties to engage in constructive discussions at the earliest opportunity so the country can find a way forward towards free, fair and credible elections, he said.
EU members called on the main parties to hold dialogues inside and outside parliament.
“It is not for us to suggest a solution, this is for Bangladesh. It’s for us to support you,” said the ambassador.
“Action is needed now,” said Hanna, who was accompanied by eight colleagues from eight European countries.
The representatives of the EU missions expressed deep concern over the excessive level of confrontation in Bangladesh.
“The mounting political violence in recent months, including attacks on minorities and their homes and places of worship, is of particular concern,” Hanna said.
British High Commissioner Robert Gibson said participation in political debate is a crucial element for any democracy.
“We consistently urge all parties to restrain from violence and excessive use of force,” he said, adding: “In a civilised society there is no place for violence.”
“We urge the parties to refrain from violence that disrupts the country, and to concentrate on dialogues to hold free, fair and credible elections.”
Hanna said the EU is ready to send an Election Observation Mission, an exploratory delegation, to assess the election preparation in Bangladesh.
The European envoys did not give any clear answers to a volley of questions related to the crackdown on the Hefazat or the rise of the force.
British envoy Gibson said debate is crucial for democracy and everybody has right to state one’s own views.
William Hanna said the cause of the violence should be stopped.
Italian Ambassador Giorgio Guglielmino said the European media is concerned about Bangladesh’s recent closing down of a local daily newspaper and two TV channels.
“We don’t close our eyes. We follow the recent events.”
