No alternative to dialogue in democracy: Switzerland

Switzerland urged all parties in Bangladesh Thursday to shun violence and exercise restraint, saying that there is no alternative to dialogue in modern-day democracy, reports UNB.

"There're no alternative to mutual respect, dialogue and talks in a modern-day democracy," the country said in a release posted on the official Facebook page of the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh.

The country also called upon the government to ensure democratic space and all political parties' freedom of speech and assembly.

They also said they are saddened by the loss of innocent lives caused by the recent political confrontations in Bangladesh. "We're concerned by the attack carried out against Former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Reaz Rahman."

The official release said the perpetrators of all these heinous acts must be identified and brought to justice by the government.