The European Union (EU) has announced to work with the newly elected government of Bangladesh simultaneously in political, human rights and trade.
The EU made the announcement in a press release on Tuesday (January 9) night.
The European Union reaffirmed the EU-Bangladesh long-term partnership based on democratic values, human rights and the rule of law, the release said. However, the EU expressed regret that not all parties participated in the elections.
It also said the EU welcomed the authorities' agreement to publish the forthcoming report and recommendations of its electoral expert mission. In the same spirit of transparency and accountability, the EU calls on the relevant authorities to ensure timely and thorough investigations into allegations of electoral irregularities.
The EU condemns the violence during the elections and calls on all to refrain from violence in the post-election period, the statement said. It is also important to respect and uphold the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, due process and the right to peaceful assembly during this time and beyond. In this regard, the detention of dissidents is very worrisome.
The EU strongly encourages all partners to respect political pluralism, democratic values and international human rights standards and to engage in peaceful dialogue, the EU statement said. The EU also considers it important that the media, civil society and political parties are able to continue to operate without fear of 'censorship' or reprisals.
The circular also said that in the future, the EU will continue to work with the Government of Bangladesh on priorities that mark our long-standing relationship in the political, human rights, trade and development fields, including access to Bangladesh's 'GSP Plus' preferential trade facilities.