President's Dialogue
EU envoy asks political parties to resolve issues
Appreciating the president's dialogue on forming a new election commission (EC), EU Ambassador to Bangladesh William Hanna yesterday asked all political parties to continue the dialogue to resolve issues regarding the EC and general elections.
“I am encouraged to see the dialogue initiated by the president on formation of a new election commission. We welcome it and it should be continued,” he said.
Addressing a press briefing, “EU-Bangladesh Relations”, at Jatiya Press Club in the city, the ambassador said a strong and independent EC is crucial in ensuring a free and fair election. The EU will provide support to that end, he added.
Hanna expressed satisfaction over the big turnout in the by-elections in Bangladesh and acceptability of the results. “These elections were free and fair.”
On corruption, he said it is a problem the world over. The EU supports the Anti-Corruption Commission's activities in curbing graft in the country, he added.
Hanna also observed that Bangladesh needs foreign investment and an investment-friendly environment free from corruption to woo overseas investors.
Over Bangladesh's human rights condition, he said there is lot to be done to improve the situation.
Democracy and human rights are the centre elements of EU's development cooperation with Bangladesh. “We will support efforts to strengthen human rights through both diplomatic advocacy and development assistance projects,” said Hanna.
He said EU is operating over 100 projects focused on education, health and food security in the country.
On extra-judicial killings and incidents of disappearance, Hanna said, “We strongly condemn it and it should not happen. We look at it very closely. Justice should be done through court.”
On the process of holding the war crimes trial, he said EU wants the international standard of justice to be ensured in the trial.
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