U.S. says finding way forward to hold fair elections urgent for major Bangladesh parties

DHAKA, Dec. 11 (nsnewswire) –The United States Wednesday said that “it is now more urgent than ever for both major parties to find a way forward to hold peaceful, free, and fair elections that are credible in the eyes of the Bangladeshi people.”
The US embassy in Dhaka in a statement also said that “We are encouraged by recent initiatives to engage in dialogue, and believe that with goodwill, the two parties can find a way to provide the elections that the Bangladeshi people want and deserve.

As Assistant Secretary Biswal made clear during her recent visit to Bangladesh, we believe unequivocally that violence can never be part of the democratic process, is not acceptable, and must stop immediately. The senseless violence of past days is especially reprehensible as innocent people, including young children, have fallen victim to arson and bombs. We call on all those responsible to immediately end the violence and allow the Bangladeshi people to go about their daily activities without fear and insecurity.

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. “