Diplomatic Correspondent :
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Marcia Bernicat on Monday emphasised on a free, fair and inclusive election in the country and said it is important for a democracy, especially for Bangladesh which is on track to become a middle-income country.
“Greater commitment is needed to keeping Bangladesh peaceful, and ensuring that all citizens enjoy the right to freely express their views and also to participate peacefully in the coming parliamentary election,” she said.
Marcia Bernicat said this at the national launch of USAID-UKAID’s Strengthening Political Landscape (SPL) “Shantite Bijoy,” Win with Peace, held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in the capital organised by Democracy International on Monday.
Bernicat said, “Together, we can contribute to a peaceful and prosperous Bangladesh.”
“Individuals from different parties must be free to express their political views, throughout the country and to hold peaceful rallies and meetings without intimidation, reprisals or arbitrary restrictions,” she said.
She said political parties must accept their rivals as legitimate participants in the political process and as potential players of the next government, even when they disagree on issues or policies.
“It’s essential that Bangladeshis urge nonviolence by all actors at every stage of the democratic process, before, during, and after the elections,” Bernicat said.
She said violence serves only those who wish to undermine the democratic processes and the interest of Bangladesh and its citizens.
Bernicat said all parties, groups and individuals should be free to participate fully in the political process leading up to the vote.
Bernicat mentioned that peace, mutual tolerance and inclusivity-all have a strong tradition in Bangladesh.
Democracy International brought together 400 Awami League and BNP leaders to inaugurate “Shantite Bijoy” Campaign’, a national campaign ahead of the next national election, seeking peace centering the polls.
The campaign was launched at the Celebrity Hall of Bangabandhu International Convention Centre (BICC) with a slogan ‘Bangladesh will win if peace wins.’
This campaign engages and raises awareness among registered political parties of Bangladesh and candidates in the upcoming national elections in favour of peaceful elections and tolerant politics.
Prime Minister’s Political Affairs Adviser HT Imam, senior BNP leader Dr Moyeen Khan and British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Alison Blake along with other senior political leaders attended the event.
The programme began with singing the national anthem. A documentary was also screened on the occasion.
The speakers who participated in the event expressed the hope for peaceful and participatory polls.
