‘It’s vital for govt, all political parties to work together now’
Dhaka, Jan 1 – The United Kingdom has welcomed the participation of all opposition parties in Sunday’s elections and said they will continue to support the people of Bangladesh in their aspirations for a more stable, prosperous, and democratic future.“We’ve got a broad and important partnership with Bangladesh and a significant Bangladeshi diaspora in the UK,” said British Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific Mark Field on Tuesday commenting on the announcement of the unofficial results for Bangladesh’s general election.
The British Minister said free, fair, peaceful, and participatory elections are essential to any functioning democracy.
“It’s vital for the government and all political parties now to work together to address differences and find a way forward in line with the interests of the people of Bangladesh,” he said.
The British Minister said he is aware of credible accounts of obstacles, including arrests, that constrained or prevented campaigning by opposition parties, and of irregularities in the conduct of elections on polling day that prevented some people from voting.
“I urge a full, credible and transparent resolution of all complaints related to the conduct of the elections,” he said.
Mark Field deplored the acts of intimidation and unlawful violence that have taken place during the campaign period, and am deeply concerned by the incidents that led to so many deaths on polling day. “My thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones.”
Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina termed the win of the Awami League-led Grand Alliance as another victory for the people of the country in December — the month of victory.
Awami League alone secured 259 out of 299 parliamentary seats that went to polls. – UNB
