Leaders from both the ruling Awami League and the main opposition BNP expressed on Wednesday their firm commitment to play due role so that the upcoming general elections can be held in a peaceful manner.
They also noted that democracy cannot be institutionalised in a country if it does not have the tradition of holding peaceful elections.
The leaders made the observation while speaking at a programme organised by the US-based political think-tank Democracy International (DI) in the city.
"Peace, democracy and elections are interlinked. A peaceful situation prevails in a society when there is a democratic environment," said BNP standing committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury.
He said the universal human rights are the basis of democracy and these rights include freedom of speech, political rights and constitutional rights.
So, ensuring these rights is necessary for holding peaceful elections, he added.
Prime Minister's political adviser HT Imam said it is the responsibility of all the political parties to ensure holding of peaceful elections.
The Awami League is committed to democracy and the rule of law, he said.
"It is a matter of great satisfaction that all the political parties of the country will participate in the upcoming elections," he added.
"So, I hope that the coming elections will be a milestone in institutionalising democracy in the country," said HT Imam.
BNP standing committee member Dr Moin Khan said, "The word 'peace' is a relative term as the 'peace' we are talking about must be tagged with justice."
"If a single party takes complete control of a polling centre, the voting will be peaceful in that centre, but that cannot be regarded as a free and fair election," he pointed out.
So, justice should be ensured for a peaceful election, he added.
He also said a division has been created between the two major political parties of the country since long and this division is a major impediment to ensuring a peaceful democratic environment in Bangladesh.
Glenn Cowan, CEO of DI, said the upcoming polls in Bangladesh is a crucial test for establishing meaningful democracy in the country.
DI hopes that all the political parties will play their due role in ensuring that the elections will be peaceful and credible, he added.
Croake, chief of party of DI, made the welcome remarks.
She also thanked the representatives of different political parties for responding to the DI campaign for peaceful elections.
Jatiya Party Presidium Member Afroja Begum also spoke on the occasion.
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