The European Union (EU) has pledged to continue working with the upcoming government in Bangladesh led by the Awami League, which secured a significant victory in the 12th parliamentary election. In a statement made on Tuesday, the High Representative on behalf of the EU expressed the intention to collaborate with Bangladesh on political, human rights, trade, and development priorities.
The statement emphasized the EU’s commitment to its longstanding partnership with Bangladesh, rooted in democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The EU condemned acts of violence during the electoral period and urged all stakeholders to refrain from violence in the post-election period. The statement stressed the importance of respecting political pluralism, democratic values, and international human rights standards, emphasizing the need for media, civil society, and political parties to operate without censorship or fear.
The EU expressed concern over the non-participation of all major parties in the election and called for the respect of the rule of law, judicial independence, due process, and the right to peaceful assembly. The detention of opposition figures was highlighted as a matter of concern, and the EU welcomed the authorities’ agreement to make public the upcoming report and recommendations of the EU Election Expert Mission. Transparency and accountability were urged in the investigation of reported election irregularities.
