The United Kingdom has stated that the criteria were not consistently followed during the 12th Jatiya Sangsad(JS) elections of Bangladesh.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country gave this information in a statement on Monday (January 8).
The statement said, "Democratic elections depend on acceptable, free and fair competition." It depends on respect for human rights, rule of law and due process are essential components of the democratic process. These criteria were not consistently followed during the elections.
The statement added that we are concerned about the arrest of a significant number of leaders and activists of the opposition party before the polls. Condemning acts of violence and intimidation in the run-up to and campaigning for elections, the statement said, "Such acts have no place in politics."
Condemning acts of violence and intimidation in the run-up to and campaigning for elections, the statement said, "Such acts have no place in politics." Not all parties participated in the elections. That is why the people of Bangladesh did not have enough options to vote.
Noting that the United Kingdom and Bangladesh have historic and deep friendly relations, the statement said, a sustainable political consensus and an enabling environment for an active civil society will enable the country's long-term growth to be achieved.
The United Kingdom has urged all political parties of Bangladesh to remove differences and find a common way forward for the benefit of the people. The country has announced that it will continue to support this process.
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistan's Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haque Kakar, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Bhutan's fourth King Jigme Sigme Wangchuck congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her landslide victory in the election.