Australia and Canada on Thursday called on the Election Commission and all responsible authorities to swiftly and impartially investigate the reports of irregularities and violence, and ensure that individuals found to have broken the law are held to account.
In a joint statement, Australian High Commissioner Greg Wilcock and Canadian High Commissioner Benoît-Pierre Laramée expressed their concern about the many reports of ‘electoral irregularities’ and ‘violence’ during the City Corporation elections in Dhaka and Chittagong on April 28.
Australia and Canada saw the elections as an important opportunity to build confidence and strengthen democratic process in Bangladesh following a significant period of conflict between the government and its opponents, they said.
The two High Commissioners called on all parties to conduct themselves within peaceful, lawful and democratic bounds.
“The people of Bangladesh deserve to be able to live their lives in a climate of peace, respect for human rights, and the rule of law,” the statement added.
The diplomats also said Australia and Canada value their close and long-standing relationships with Bangladesh. – UNB
