What the European Union said about the 12th National Parliament election

News Desk: The European Union (EU) has released a statement on the 12th National Parliament Elections. The European Council statement on Tuesday (January 9) stated that the EU will continue to work with the government of Bangladesh.

The European Union notes the results of the parliamentary elections held in Bangladesh last Sunday (January 7) and reiterates that the long-term EU-Bangladesh partnership is founded on the values ​​of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, the statement said. The EU regrets that not all major parties took part in the elections. The EU welcomes the authorities' decision to publish the forthcoming report and recommendations of the Electoral Expert Mission. In the spirit of transparency and accountability, we call upon the relevant authorities to ensure timely and thorough investigation of the report's electoral irregularities.

The EU condemns the violence during the elections and calls on all to refrain from violence in the post-election period, the statement added. It is also important to respect and uphold the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, the right to peaceful assembly. In this regard, the detention of opposition persons is very worrying. The EU strongly encourages all stakeholders to respect political pluralism, democratic values ​​and international human rights standards and engage in peaceful dialogue. Media, civil society and political parties should be able to continue their work without fear of censorship or reprisals.

The EU will continue to work with the Government of Bangladesh on priorities such as future preferential trade privileges (GSP Plus) that mark our long-standing relationship in the political, human rights, trade and development fields.

 

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