US concerned at electoral violence in Bangladesh

The United States has expressed concern over the high level of election campaign violence over the last two weeks ahead of December 30 general election.

US ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Robert Miller on Thursday made the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda at the latter’s office in the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban.

‘I asked for this meeting [with CEC] because 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. However, it appears opposition party candidates have borne the brunt of most violence,’ said the US ambassador.

‘In any democratic election, there must be space for peaceful expression and assembly, for independent media to do its job covering electoral developments, and for participants to have access to information, and for all individuals to be able to partake in the electrical process without harassment, intimidation, or violence,’ he added.

Millar said Bangladesh is rightfully proud of its democratic traditions, including elections where upwards of 70 per cent of electorate turns out to vote.

He appreciated the opportunity to consult with the Election Commission to see what plans it has to create a conducive atmosphere so all Bangladeshis, no matter their political affiliation, feel safe to go to the polls on Sunday and cast their votes for the candidates of their choice.

‘The United States wishes all Bangladeshis a free, fair, tolerant and peaceful election day on December 30,’ the US envoy said.

Bangladesh is set to hold 11th parliamentary elections on December 30.

News Courtesy: www.newagebd.net