The Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 53 independent countries, has urged the political parties in Bangladesh to address their differences through a purposeful dialogue.
“The Commonwealth remains ready to support a purposeful dialogue towards a framework for future elections that fully reflects the will of the people and respects the principle of democratic constitutionalism,” said Commonwealth Secretariat spokesperson Richard Uku in a statement on Monday.
The spokesperson also said the Commonwealth is willing to assist the Election Commission of Bangladesh in further strengthening its functions and effectiveness.
He said the Commonwealth continues to follow political developments in Bangladesh closely after its elections on January 5 mentioning that the Commonwealth stands ready to provide whatever support may be considered helpful in the post-election period.
“The politically motivated violence and loss of lives and injuries in the run-up to the elections was a matter of profound concern, and a threat to the orderly conduct of democratic elections, to which all the Commonwealth members are committed,” said Uku.
Attacks on minority communities are particularly reprehensible for a Commonwealth which attaches the greatest importance to respect for diversity and equality, said the Spokesperson.
“It’s encouraging that such incidents have declined. We welcome the recent public statements by leaders of the major political parties that violence and attacks on minorities are unacceptable. These attacks must cease altogether.”
Uku mentioned that the Commonwealth is committed to upholding and promoting democratic culture, including the inalienable right of all citizens to participate in free and fair elections. “It’s a welcome development that leaders of the major political parties have expressed a readiness to talk, with early and inclusive elections in mind.”
Source: UNB Connect
