Sunday's national election was controversial. International pressure is increasing for holding dialogue towards arranging a participatory and acceptable election. The outside world is frustrated as most voters could not exercise their franchise. Voter turnout was poor.
UN Secretary General has censured the deadly violence in the just-concluded election and called upon the political parties to resume meaningful dialogue for an inclusive political process. The UN will continue to support the democratic process in accordance with the principles of inclusiveness, non-violence, recociliation and dialogue, he said. He regretted that the parties did not reach the kind of agreement which could have produced a peaceful, all-inclusive election outcome. He urged all sides to exercise restraint and ensure a peaceful and conducive atmosphere.
The US has called for fresh elections in Bangladesh that will reflect the will of the people. US was disappointed because so many of the seats were uncontested and asserted that violence was not an acceptable element of the political process, and that Bangladesh still has an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to democracy by organising free and fair elections.
Japan called for serious efforts by the political leadership in Bangladesh to ensure voting opportunity for the people. They were deeply disappointed by the fact that no agreement was achieved among major political parties on political framework prior to implementation of the 10th parliamentary election. Japan was deeply concerned about political violence.
United Kingdom is of the view that most of the voters could not cast their votes. The turnout was low. They have called upon all political parties to work together for participatory and acceptable election. Peaceful and credible election is the proof of effective democracy. UK is prepared to provide assistance for stable, prosperous and democratic future.
The Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka said that most of the parties, including the main opposition, did not participate in the elections and most of the voters could not cast their votes. China is worried about election-related violence. This crisis can be resolved if the government and the opposition are sincere. Australia has called for holding a new, fully contested and transparent election as soon as possible. The country expressed deep concern at the ongoing violence and political discord which marred the election. The Australian Foreign Minister said that both the government and opposition coalition contributed to the unstable political conditions.
India is the only country which stood by the Bangladesh government during the last elections. According to them, election was part of the constitutional process. People of Bangladesh will decide who will represent them and what will be their future. No solution comes through violence. Democratic process will follow its own course.
Commonwealth Secretary General said that participation of limited number of voters does not reflect the aspirations of the people. Therefore, a dialogue should start for peaceful and participatory political process.
Canadian foreign minister expressed frustration about the just-concluded election.
In separate statements, France and Germany stressed the need for resuming dialogue among political parties to resolve the current crisis and bring about inclusive, peaceful and credible democratic election. They also regretted the violence.
Awami League have won 232 of 300 seats in parliament in January 05 election, gaining an overwhelming majority for a term of five years. European, US and UN officials have tried and failed for months to broker a compromise between two ladies whose families have dominated Bangladesh politics since independence.
The election no doubt was questionable. But the government is comfortable after winning the election with two-thirds majority although the turnout was low. It is not in a hurry for a compromise with Khaleda Zia. They have the experience of sidestepping world opinion.
The writer is an economist and columnist. [email protected]
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