Canadian High Commissioner in Dhaka Heather Cruden
Canada today urged all political parties to end the violence and work toward a peaceful resolution of the prevailing situation.
“Canada is dismayed by the continued escalation of violence in Bangladesh, which has led to innocent people being killed and injured,” said a statement of Canadian High Commissioner in Dhaka Heather Cruden.
“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,” Cruden observed.
“The use of violence by any political party or group is against the shared Bangladeshi and Canadian values of respect for human rights, democracy and pluralism,” the envoy went on.
“Neither arrest of political leaders nor strikes are convincing to construct political dialogue,” she noted adding “The violence has had disproportionate social and economic effect on the most vulnerable members of Bangladeshi society.”
“We note with dismay recent attacks on religious communities.”
She also said, “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.”
Source: The Daily Star
