The European Union (EU) has expressed hope that the political parties in Bangladesh will soon reach a consensus about the form of government that will be in place during the election. The 27-member bloc has also urged the parties to engage in constructive dialogue to agree on a politically acceptable and constitutionally viable mechanism for holding free, fair and credible elections. “The EU missions’ representatives once again expressed their hope that Bangladesh’s parties will soon reach a consensus about the form of government to be in place during the election period. They believe that a politically acceptable and constitutionally viable mechanism can be agreed,” EU ambassador to Dhaka, William Hanna, told a press conference on the occasion of Europe Day at a local hotel on Wednesday.
“They urge the major parties to engage in constructive discussions, at the earliest opportunity, so that the country can find a way forward towards free, fair and credible elections,” he added.
Besides Hanna, envoys of eight countries belonging to EU—Italian ambassador Giorgio Guglielmino, Spanish ambassador Luis Tejada Chacón, British high commissioner Robert Gibson, German ambassador Dr Albrecht Conze, Danish charge d’ affaires Lene Volkersen, Swedish charge d’ affaires Karin Rohlin, and French charge d’ affaires Babou Kamichetty—attended the press conference.
Hana also said, “The EU missions’ representatives express deep concern about the excessive levels of political confrontation in Bangladesh. The mounting political violence in recent months, including attacks on minorities and their homes and places of worship, is of particular concern. They called on the main parties to engage in constructive dialogue, inside and outside the parliament.”
British high commissioner Gibson described the participation in political debate as a crucial element for any democracy, saying, “Citizens must be able to put forward and represent their views. We consistently urge all the parties to restrain from violence and excessive use of force. In a civilised society, there is no place for violence. We urge all the parties to refrain from violence that disrupt the country and concentrate on dialogue to free, fair and credible election.”
Hanna also said that the EU and its member states were the main contributors to the project to strengthen election management, in support of the Election Commission, in the run-up to the general election and beyond. “The EU stands ready to send an election observer mission to Bangladesh for the next general election,” he added.
To a question in this regard, Hanna said that the EU would send an exploratory mission to see the situation on the ground and based on the report of the mission the observer team would be sent.
Expressing anguish over the Savar tragedy, the EU envoy said, “As the European Union is Bangladesh’s largest trade partner, its representatives are concerned about the labour conditions, including health and safety provisions, established for workers in factories across the country.” “They called upon the Bangladeshi authorities to act immediately, to ensure that factories across the country comply with international labour standard, including International Labour Organisation conventions,” he said.
About the continuation of GSP facilities for Bangladeshi products in the EU market, Hanna said that in order to ensure the continuation of the facilities, all of the concerns regarding labour rights must be addressed.
“Business cannot be as usual for ever. Trade is important but human rights is also important. Action is needed now,” he said.
To another question, German ambassador Conze said that things would not be as it had been before the two tragedies—Savar and Tazreen.
He said that the two tragedies had made the buyers aware about their responsibilities.
In reply to questions about the law enforcers’ action on the gathering of Hefazat-e-Islam at Shapla Chattar on Monday morning, the EU envoy did not provide any clear answer.
About the shutting down of two TV stations and media freedom, Italian ambassador Guglielmino said, “We don’t close our eyes. We follow and monitor the events. There is a lot of concern in European media.”
-With The Independent input
