Dhaka, Dec 27 – United States have expressed concern over the high level of campaign violence during the election campaign ahead of the election scheduled on December 30.“The United States is concerned by the high level of campaign violence over the last two weeks. All parties have been victims of violence, including minorities and female candidates,” US Ambassador Earl Robert Miller said on Thursday.
He told the media after holding a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda at the Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital.
He said the United States has urged the Election Commission to take steps to stop such violence.
The ambassador said, “It appears opposition party candidates have borne the burnt of most violence. I appreciated the opportunity to consult with the Election Commission to see what plans it has to create a conducive atmosphere of Bangladesh, no matter their political affiliation, feel safe to go to polls on Sunday and cast their votes for the candidates of their choice,” he added.
He said, “Bangladesh is rightfully proud of its democratic tradition, including elections where upward of 70 per cent of the electorate turns out to vote. I wish my country has 70 per cent turn out.”
In any democratic election there must be space for peaceful expression and assembly, for independent media to do its job covering electoral development, for participants to have access to information and for all individuals to be able to partake in the electoral process without harassment, intimidation or violence, he added.
Regarding the statement of the Secretary General of United Nations (UN), he said, “The Secretary General calls all stakeholders to ensure an environment free of violence, intimidation and coercion before and after the election so as to enable a peaceful, credible and inclusion poll.”
“All Bangladeshi citizens including minorities must be safe in exercising their rights to vote. Civil society and electoral observers should be fully supported to play their role in the process. The Secretary General reiterated the continued commitment of UN to support a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh,” he added.
The Untied States also wishes all Bangladeshis a free, fair, tolerant and peaceful election day on December 30, the Ambassador said. – Staff Reporter
