Both negative and positive reactions from a number of nations, including some major global powers, centering on Bangladesh’s 12th general election kept pouring on Wednesday, with the country all set to get its latest cabinet today.
Canada and Australia alongside the European Union expressed their disappointment over the January 7 polls.
However, they vowed to continue partnering with Bangladesh on various aspects as in the past.
Japan, Myanmar, Nepal and Brazil were among the latest countries to express their felicitations over the election.
Sporadic clashes were reported during the election amid alleged vote rigging in many centres. Prompt action was taken immediately, though.
In a statement, Global Affairs Canada on Wednesday said: “Canada commends and supports the democratic aspirations of Bangladeshi citizens and condemns the acts of intimidation and violence that took place ahead and during the elections. We extend our sympathy to all of those who have been affected by the violence that has occurred.
Canada expresses its disappointment that this electoral process has fallen short of the principles of democracy and freedom upon which Bangladesh was founded and calls on the relevant authorities to work transparently with all parties to move forward towards democracy, respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms in line with the interests of the people of Bangladesh, it adds.
“Canada was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, and remains committed to support the people of Bangladesh in their aspirations for a more stable, prosperous and democratic future.”
On Tuesday, Canada said that it did not send any election observers to Bangladesh to monitor the election.
Meanwhile, the Canada-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group has congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her election victory.
Five Canadian MPs sent a message to the premier in this regard.
Australia’s take
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia on Wednesday said: “While we welcome the fact that millions of Bangladeshi voters exercised their right to vote on election day, it is regrettable that the elections took place in an environment where not all stakeholders could participate meaningfully and substantially.
“As a longstanding friend of Bangladesh, Australia is concerned about the violence and the arrests of political opposition members that took place in the lead-up to the elections. Australia has consistently highlighted to Bangladesh the importance of free and fair elections,” the department said.
Australia also urged Bangladesh to focus on human rights, the rule of law and the promotion of development.
“As a close partner, Australia remains committed to working with Bangladesh to achieve our shared vision for an open, stable, prosperous and inclusive region,” it said.
What EU said
High Representative Josep Borrell on behalf of the European Union (EU) noted that the ruling Awami League returned to power with a landslide victory amid the opposition BNP's boycott of the election.
The EU takes note of the outcome of the parliamentary elections, and reiterates that the long-term EU-Bangladesh partnership is underpinned by the values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, he said.
The EU regrets that not all major parties participated in this election, he said, adding that the EU welcomes the agreement of the authorities to make public the upcoming report and recommendations of the EU Election Expert Mission.
In the same spirit of transparency and accountability, the EU called upon the relevant authorities to ensure a timely and full investigation of all reported election irregularities.
“The EU condemns the acts of violence that occurred during the electoral period and urges everybody to refrain from violence in the post-election period. It is also key that the rule of law, judicial independence, due process, and the right to peaceful assembly are respected and upheld in this period and beyond. In this regard, detention of opposition figures is highly concerning,” Borrell said.
Insisting on ensuring political pluralism, democratic values, and international human rights standards and peaceful dialogue, the EU said it will continue to work with Bangladesh on the priorities that characterize ‘‘our longstanding relations in the political, human rights, trade, and development spheres including the country’s possible future access to the GSP+ preferential trade scheme.’’
Felicitations keep flooding in
As far as the Japanese election observer mission was able to observe, the election process in Bangladesh was conducted in accordance with procedures, said Japanese foreign press secretary Kobayashi Maki in a statement Wednesday.
“On the other hand, we regret that there were incidents of violence with casualties in the process leading up to the general election,” it adds.
Congratulating PM Hasina, Myanmar has said the overwhelming support for the Awami League in the election clearly reflects the trust reposed by the people of Bangladesh in the premier and the strong approval of her leadership over the past decade.
Brazil and Nepal, too, congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her election victory.
Earlier, the US, the UK and the UN expressed their disappointment over the election, which was hailed by at least 31 countries, including India, Russia and China, till Wednesday.
