The European Union (EU) has urged all political parties to participate in the election process stressing that violence should be avoided at all costs.
"The EU encourages all parties and all citizens in Bangladesh to exercise their political rights and participate in the parliamentary elections," said High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles.
In a letter addressed to Ivan Stefanek, a representative from Slovakia in the European Parliament, Josep Borrell said violence, on the other hand, has no place in these processes and "should be avoided at all costs."
He said the EU and its Member States will continue to engage closely with the government and all stakeholders in Bangladesh on human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
Borrell said he also talked about dialogue between the main parties and there should be ample space for civil society.
"It is for all stakeholders to build confidence in the election process," he said.
Six members of the European Parliament, including Ivan Stephanek, wrote a letter to Josep Borrell on 12 June, requesting him to play a role in ensuring fair elections in Bangladesh.
Borrell stated that the government of Bangladesh has extended an invitation to EU members to observe the upcoming elections.
He appreciated the decision and informed that as a preliminary measure, a fact-finding mission will be sent to Bangladesh to assess the current situation, examine the advantages, and evaluate the feasibility of conducting election observation.
The EU`s foreign policy chief said safeguarding the key freedoms, including freedom of expressions and freedom of assembly is essential for democratic processes.
A six-member Election Exploratory Mission (ExM) from the European Union (EU) will visit Bangladesh from July 8-23 to assess the situation on the ground ahead of the country`s national election.
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