The Canadian Government has expressed deep regret regarding the recent Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh falling “short of the principles of democracy and freedom’ upon which the country was founded.
This was stated by Global Affairs Canada or GAC, the country’s foreign ministry, in a release on Tuesday.
“Canada expresses its disappointment that this electoral process has fallen short of the principles of democracy and freedom upon which Bangladesh was established and urged relevant authorities to work transparently with all parties to move forward towards democracy, respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms in line with the interests of the people of Bangladesh,” the statement said.
It added, “ Free and fair elections with a viable opposition, independent democratic institutions and freedom of the press are critical to ensuring a strong and healthy democracy.”
GAC also condemned “the acts of intimidation and violence that took place before and during the elections” while extending “sympathy to all of those who have been affected by the reported violence .”
It said that Canada “commends and supports the democratic aspirations of Bangladeshi citizens.”
The elections, results for which were declared on January 7, were criticized by the United States Department of State on Monday. It had said that the US “remains worried by the arrests of thousands of political opposition members and by reports of irregularities on elections day.”
“The United States echoed the view with other observers that these elections were not free or fair and we regret that not all political parties participated,” the State Department stated.
Bangladesh’s ruling Awami League swept back to power securing 222 out of 298 seats, a near three-fourth majority. That will mean that incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will return as Prime Minister of the country for an unprecedented fourth term.
The principal opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party had boycotted the elections.
