The US on Tuesday said both major political parties of Bangladesh should empower “trusted lieutenants” to undertake constructive dialogue in order to hold credible elections in the eye of Bangladeshi people.
The US Embassy in Dhaka in a statement made the call in the backdrop of ongoing violence and political stalemate over the polls-time government.
“As the end of the mandate for the current government fast approaches, we believe that it is now more urgent than ever for both major parties to empower trusted lieutenants to undertake constructive dialogue to find a way forward to hold free and fair elections that are credible in the eyes of the Bangladeshi people,” the US embassy statement said.
“We believe all parties should have space to freely and peacefully express their views. The government bears responsibility to provide such space; the opposition parties bear responsibility to use such space in a peaceful manner.”
Washington believed that with goodwill, the two parties can still find a way to provide free, fair and credible elections that the Bangladeshi people want and deserve, the statement said.
The statement also said that violence is not acceptable and must stop immediately.
“As Assistant Secretary Biswal made clear during her visit to Bangladesh, violence is not part of the democratic process, is not acceptable and must stop immediately.”
The senseless violence of past days is especially reprehensible as it intentionally targeted innocent people with bombs and by burning them alive in vehicles, it added.
Meanwhile, the Canadian high commissioner said Canada continued to urge all parties to end the violence and work toward a peaceful resolution of the current situation.
“It is still possible for all parties and political organisations to find a negotiated solution, if there is political will, to ensure that the upcoming general election is transparent, inclusive, credible and peaceful.”
Heather Cruden said Canada is dismayed by the continued escalation of violence in Bangladesh, which has led to innocent people being killed and injured.
“The violence has had disproportionate social and economic effects on the most vulnerable members of Bangladeshi society. We note with dismay recent attacks on religious communities. The current instability damages the commercial environment, particularly for small businesses, and may have long-term consequences for the national economy that may not be easily reversed.”
