Canada has expressed deep concern over the mounting violence that has injured many and claimed 13 lives Bangladesh in the past few days.
“We urge all parties to end the violence, to work towards peacefully resolving the conflict and to reverse the growing divisions in Bangladeshi society. We are saddened by reports of people killed or injured during protests across Bangladesh,” said a Canadian High Commission statement that was issued on Tuesday.
The statement said use of violence by any political party or group was against the values espoused by Bangladesh – values such as respect for human rights, democracy and pluralism.
“All parties and political organisations should refrain from violence and engage in dialogue to address the ongoing political issues and to ensure that the upcoming general election is transparent, inclusive, credible and peaceful,” the statement reads.
In the lead-up to parliamentary elections, Canada continues to call on all parties to respect the rights to freedom of expression and of assembly and urge everyone to exercise these rights in a peaceful and democratic manner, it added.
“We urge both parties to engage in dialogue and to act in good faith in trying to find a resolution to the current political impasse,” the statement said, and added that constructive dialogue between the government and the opposition is critical so that the country can find a way forward towards free, fair and credible elections.
Good faith in political dialogue will help create an environment free of political unrest and violence, it added.
