Switzerland hopes new BD govt will uphold democratic values

Switzerland has said it looks forward to its continued partnership with Bangladesh and hoped that Bangladesh will support the people's will to move towards democracy in full respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, reports UNB.

"Switzerland trusts that the new government of Bangladesh will uphold the democratic values it was elected upon and that it will support the people's will," said Ambassador of Switzerland Rene Holenstein on Sunday.

The Swiss envoy made the remarks during a meeting with Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the city.

The Ambassador told the Foreign Secretary that Switzerland took note of the election results of the parliamentary elections and commended all parties for their participation in the process.

He deplored the violence that occurred before and during the elections causing unnecessary sufferings and pain, according to the Swiss Embassy in Dhaka.

Ambassador Holenstein referred to reported accounts of intimidation, irregularities and further "obstacles" to a level-playing field throughout the process, which have "tainted" the electoral campaign and the vote.

He underlined the need for addressing these reports in full transparency and according to the rule of law.