He conveys US’s concern over arrests, Sunday’s incidents
As the government remained rigid with the January 5 polls, US Ambassador in Dhaka Dan W Mozena on Tuesday renewed his country’s call to Awamni League and BNP to engage in a ‘serious dialogue’ immediately to find an agreed way forward for ‘free and fair’ elections in Bangladesh.
“I underscored the ever more urgent need for the parties to engage in serious dialogue immediately to find an agreed way forward to free and fair elections that are credible in the eyes of Bangladesh people,” said the US diplomat.
Mozena made the call in a written statement distributed among the press shortly after his meeting with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at her Gulshan residence in the city.
The US diplomat expressed concern over the ‘recent wave of arrests’ of senior political leaders.
“I also noted the US government’s concern at the recent wave of arrests of senior leaders, given the intimidating effect that this has on those who wish to peacefully exercise their democratic rights and whose participation is critical for the success of the future dialogue between the two sides,” said the envoy.
At the meeting with the BNP chief, Mozena also discussed the incidents that took place on Sunday at the Supreme Court, National Press Club and Dhaka University, and termed those ‘most disturbing’.
He also said those incidents were contrary to democratic process, and these must not be allowed to recur. “I reiterated our call for all parties to eschew violence which is not consistent with the democratic process, is unacceptable and must stop immediately,” Mozena said.
He also said they (Khaleda-Mozena) discussed the responsibility that the government has to provide political space to the opposition so it can freely express its political views.
The US diplomat also discussed the responsibility that the opposition has to use space peacefully.
Mozena entered the residence of the opposition chief at 3:06pm and held a lengthy meeting amid the worsening political situation.
BNP chairperson’s advisers Reaz Rahman and Sabihuddin Ahmed were also present at the meeting.
On Monday, British High Commissioner in Dhaka Robert Gibson met Khaleda Zia at her house.
Source: UNB Connect
