The European Union (EU) urged all parties to refrain from violence and to engage in genuine dialogue putting the interests of the people of Bangladesh first.
The High Representative Catherine Ashton on behalf of the European Union on the Legislative Elections in Bangladesh made the call in a statement on Thursday
“The EU urges all parties to refrain from violence and to engage in genuine dialogue to agree on a mutually acceptable way forward to strengthen democratic accountability and to hold transparent, inclusive and credible elections, putting the interests of the people of Bangladesh first,” Ashton said.
Ashton strongly condemned the acts of violence which occurred in the run-up to and during the elections and particularly attacks against the most vulnerable populations.
European Union has regretted that the people of Bangladesh were not given an opportunity to express fully their democratic choice in the 10th parliamentary election held on January 5.
The High Representative said: “The EU has repeatedly called on all parties to create favourable conditions for transparent, inclusive and credible elections. The High Representative, therefore, regrets the fact that such conditions did not materialise and that the people of Bangladesh were not given an opportunity to express fully their democratic choice.”
The High Representative has taken note of the preliminary results and of reports of low turnout for the 10th Parliamentary elections held in Bangladesh on January 5, said the statement.
On December 20, European Union said that it would not deploy any election observers.
On November 30, it issued the statement which stated: “The EU remains concerned that there is still confrontation between the major political groups in the country on the composition of the government during the electoral period.”
“The EU calls on the leaders of all political parties to agree on a mutually acceptable formula so as to facilitate the holding of elections which fully reflect the wishes of the people. It welcomes the efforts of those who have been working to achieve this.”
Meanwhile, China Thursday said it hoped that parties in Bangladesh can realise political stability through talks and negotiation after its parliamentary election, reported Chinese news agency Xinhua.
