UNB, Dhaka :
Outgoing European Union (EU) Ambassador in Dhaka Pierre Mayaudon has voiced optimism over a ‘transparent and inclusive’ national election saying there is a lot of enthusiasm and determination across the board in Bangladesh.
“Absolutely…I found the goodwill across the board. There’s a lot of enthusiasm and determination to bring the country forward,” he told UNB in an interview at his office on Monday.
Recalling the ‘adverse consequences’ during and after the last national elections, Ambassador Mayaudon said everybody has understood that such things should be avoided.
“Frankly speaking, I think it won’t happen again,” the Ambassador said mentioning that he found the goodwill among all to make sure that the next national election in Bangladesh is a chance to bring forward the democratic agenda in Bangladesh.
The Ambassador said, the initiative taken by the Election Commission engaging the civil society and political parties in discussion is certainly a ‘contribution’ to find a way forward in making sure that all significant and relevant political forces will be represented in the electoral competition.
“I think all actors are too conscious. Goodwill prevails,” said Ambassador Mayaudon who leaves Dhaka on Thursday completing his three-year tenure in Bangladesh.
In May last, the Ambassador also hoped that all the political parties in Bangladesh will take part in the next national election saying there have been some ‘lessons learned’ from the last election.
“There’ve been some lessons learned already that will certainly lead to proper approach…We wish that all political forces in this country will participate in the next elections obviously to make them as inclusive as possible,” he said.
The Ambassador was positive about sending an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) saying such Mission is not just focusing on Election Day rather it is quite massive involvement.
He reiterated EU’s willingness to provide any assistance to the Election Commission if any such assistance is sought.
Referring to his meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner, the Ambassador said he reiterated their offer to bring forward the long-established partnership with the Election Commission.
Responding to a question, the EU Ambassador said democracy, governance and human rights are on top of EU agenda in Bangladesh, and they never miss the opportunities to address these ‘crucial fields’.
Asked to compare Bangladesh’s present situation with the one three years ago, Ambassador Mayaudon said the political situation was quite volatile with widespread agitation and killing of innocent people.
“Three years later, today, the situation is much more peaceful,” he said admitting that the last election had left many frustrated.
He said, this is the kind of past and lessons learned from it. “I feel a general determination to make the next national a great opportunity for Bangladesh.”
Evaluating his overall Dhaka assignment, the Ambassador said, “Frankly speaking without exaggeration…probably this is the most rewarding period of my professional life.”
Outgoing European Union (EU) Ambassador in Dhaka Pierre Mayaudon has voiced optimism over a ‘transparent and inclusive’ national election saying there is a lot of enthusiasm and determination across the board in Bangladesh.
“Absolutely…I found the goodwill across the board. There’s a lot of enthusiasm and determination to bring the country forward,” he told UNB in an interview at his office on Monday.
Recalling the ‘adverse consequences’ during and after the last national elections, Ambassador Mayaudon said everybody has understood that such things should be avoided.
“Frankly speaking, I think it won’t happen again,” the Ambassador said mentioning that he found the goodwill among all to make sure that the next national election in Bangladesh is a chance to bring forward the democratic agenda in Bangladesh.
The Ambassador said, the initiative taken by the Election Commission engaging the civil society and political parties in discussion is certainly a ‘contribution’ to find a way forward in making sure that all significant and relevant political forces will be represented in the electoral competition.
“I think all actors are too conscious. Goodwill prevails,” said Ambassador Mayaudon who leaves Dhaka on Thursday completing his three-year tenure in Bangladesh.
In May last, the Ambassador also hoped that all the political parties in Bangladesh will take part in the next national election saying there have been some ‘lessons learned’ from the last election.
“There’ve been some lessons learned already that will certainly lead to proper approach…We wish that all political forces in this country will participate in the next elections obviously to make them as inclusive as possible,” he said.
The Ambassador was positive about sending an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) saying such Mission is not just focusing on Election Day rather it is quite massive involvement.
He reiterated EU’s willingness to provide any assistance to the Election Commission if any such assistance is sought.
Referring to his meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner, the Ambassador said he reiterated their offer to bring forward the long-established partnership with the Election Commission.
Responding to a question, the EU Ambassador said democracy, governance and human rights are on top of EU agenda in Bangladesh, and they never miss the opportunities to address these ‘crucial fields’.
Asked to compare Bangladesh’s present situation with the one three years ago, Ambassador Mayaudon said the political situation was quite volatile with widespread agitation and killing of innocent people.
“Three years later, today, the situation is much more peaceful,” he said admitting that the last election had left many frustrated.
He said, this is the kind of past and lessons learned from it. “I feel a general determination to make the next national a great opportunity for Bangladesh.”
Evaluating his overall Dhaka assignment, the Ambassador said, “Frankly speaking without exaggeration…probably this is the most rewarding period of my professional life.”
