US Ambassador Marcia Bernicat said all parties, groups, and individuals should be free to participate in the political processes leading up to the election. She stated this at the national launch of USAID-UKAID’s Strengthening Political Landscape (SPL) “Shantite Bijoy”— Win with Peace.
The event took place at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in Agargaon, on September 17.
The SPL campaign, led by Democracy International, demonstrates the political parties’ commitment to promote peace, tolerance, and democracy in Bangladesh. It also has shown the partnership between the US, British and Bangladesh governments.
Marcia Bernicat said: “I hope today’s event will motivate us all to an even greater commitment to keeping Bangladesh peaceful, and ensuring that all citizens enjoy the right to freely express their views and also to participate peacefully in the coming parliamentary election.”
During Bernicat’s remarks, she mentioned that free, fair, and inclusive elections are important for a democracy—especially, for one, which has been on track to become a middle income country.
“Individuals from different political parties must be free to express their political views, throughout the country and to hold peaceful rallies and meetings without intimidation, reprisals or arbitrary restrictions,” she added.
She said: “Political parties must accept their rivals as legitimate participants in the political process, and as potential leaders of the next government—even when they disagree on issues or policies.”
She emphasized the necessity of having a peaceful non-violent democratic process before, during, and after the election.
