EU and 14 countries reaffirm importance of fair polls in Bangladesh

In a significant move, 14 influential countries and the EU on Tuesday stressed the importance of free, fair, inclusive, and peaceful electoral processes in Bangladesh.

In a joint statement, the missions of the EU and the 14 countries said, “We, as friends and partners of Bangladesh, eager to further support its success, reaffirm the importance of free, fair, inclusive, and peaceful electoral processes in the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

The statement was issued ahead of Human Rights Day to be observed globally on December 10.

Recently, the government high-ups were critical of the assertions made by some diplomats regarding the general elections of Bangladesh saying the envoys should not comment on the domestic affairs of a host country.

“We support and promote democratic governance as a set of values and principles to follow for meaningful participation, equality, security, and inclusive human and economic development,” the statement added.

“As we approach Human Rights Day on December 10, we would like to highlight the fundamental role democracy plays in protecting human rights and promoting development.”  

The countries said they celebrate the freedoms enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and reaffirm the importance of all UN member states adhering to their commitments to free expression, peaceful assembly, and elections, among others outlined in the Declaration.

The statement was issued by the European Union (EU), the USA, Australia, Britain, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Japan, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.

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