European diplomats urge parties to refrain from violence centering polls

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DHAKA, Dec 10, 2018 (BSS) – Heads of missions of different European
countries here today urged all political parties to refrain from violence
centering the upcoming general election.

“They (envoys) urge all political parties to meet their democratic
responsibilities and to refrain from violence; and law enforcement agencies
to strictly adhere to the rule of law,” said a joint local statement on
parliamentary elections.

The statement, signed by Heads of Mission of the European Union and the
Heads of Mission of Norway and Switzerland called upon the Government of
Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Election Commission and all stakeholders to ensure
a genuine, credible, inclusive and transparent electoral process.

They urged all stakeholders to uphold and protect the citizens’ rights to
universal suffrage, freedom of expression and right to peaceful assembly and
welcome the commitments made by the Bangladesh Election Commission and the
Government of Bangladesh in this respect.

Participatory elections constitute an important step in the ongoing
process of national development for all Bangladeshi citizens, they observed.

Signatories to the local statement are Ambassador, Delegation of the
European Union Rensje Teerink, British High Commissioner Alison Blake,
Spanish Ambassador D. Alvaro de Salas Gim,nez de Azc rate, Swedish Ambassador
Charlotta Schlyter, Ambassador of France Marie-Annick Bourdin, German
Ambassador Peter Fahrenholtz, Dutch Ambassador Harry Verweij, Danish
Ambassador Winnie Estrup Petersen, Norwegian Ambassador Sidsel Bleken and
Swiss Ambassador Rene Holenstein.