British High Commissioner in Bangladesh Robert Gibson called upon all political parties on Wednesday to stay away from further violence and take confidence-building measures for putting an end to the ongoing political tensions.
The current extent of violence and the disruption in public life in Bangladesh were distressing and deplorable, the UK envoy said.
"I have consistently called on all parties to fully consider the effects of their actions and abstain from causing further damage to the country's national interest," he added.
Talking to reporters after a meeting with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at her Gulshan office, Mr Gibson said: "I also urge all parties to consider confidence-building measures that would defuse the current tension in the country and allow normal life to resume, which will allow all legitimate political activity to take place peacefully."
He also said: "The UK is committed to the future stability, development and prosperity of Bangladesh in which we are and will remain close partners.
" The envoy also urged the political parties to think about the consequences of their present activities.
However, Mr Gibson did not say what he discussed with Khaleda Zia during the meeting.
"I have taken the opportunity this evening to offer my personal sympathies to the honourable chairperson over the loss of her son Arafat Rahman Coco," he said.
The UK envoy reached the office at 5.00 pm and stayed until 6.10 pm.
Like many other diplomats, Mr Gibson went to the office to write his words of sympathy in the condolence book opened there after Coco died on Jan 24 in Malaysia. Khaleda Zia has been staying constantly at the Gulshan office since January 04.
syful-islam@outlook.com
UK envoy urges parties to shun path of violence
FE Report | Published: February 12, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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