The European Union has called upon Bangladesh authorities to ensure a timely and full investigation of all reported election irregularities in the spirit transparency and accountability.

The EU condemned the acts of violence that occurred during the electoral period and urged everybody to refrain from violence in the post-election period. It is also key that the rule of law, judicial independence, due process and the right to peaceful assembly are respected and upheld in this period and beyond. In this regard, detention of opposition figures is highly concerning.

The EU strongly encouraged all stakeholders to respect political pluralism, democratic values and international human rights standards and to engage in peaceful dialogue. It is essential that the media, civil society and political parties can carry out their work without censorship or fear of reprisals.

The EU will continue to work with the government of Bangladesh on the priorities that characterise our longstanding relations in the political, human rights, trade and development spheres, including the country’s possible future access to the GSP+ preferential trade scheme, EU said in a statement.
 
BDST: 1109 HRS, JAN 10, 2024
MSK