US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas today (October 31, 2023) hoped that all sides going forward will engage in a “dialogue” without preconditions to de-escalate tensions and find a path forward to free, fair and peaceful elections. “Political violence by any side has no place in democratic elections,” he said after his meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal at the EC office. US Ambassador Haas also urged to avoid any action that undermines the democratic election process, including the use of violence, preventing people from exercising their rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and internet access – calling to question the ability to conduct free and fair elections. Read more: US says killing of a police officer and a political activist, burning a hospital and buses are unacceptable Thanking the CEC for his time, the US ambassador said during their meeting, he urged for transparency and accountability in the Election Commission’s unique constitutional role in essential work towards organizing elections. He said that free and fair elections, as they all know, happen over weeks and months before the actual day votes are cast. US Ambassador Haas said voters, political parties, government, security forces, civil society, media and the Election Commission all are responsible regarding that. Read more: CEC to meet president on Nov 5 regarding announcement of nat’l election schedule

Ambassadors of the Nordic countries in Dhaka have highlighted the importance of "participatory democracy" and the role of "free and fair elections" for the development of Bangladesh. They also emphasised the importance the Nordic countries attach to sustainability, gender equality, and human rights.  Ambassador of Denmark Winnie Estrup Petersen, Ambassador of Norway Espen Rikter-Svendsen and Ambassador of Sweden Alex Berg von Linde met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury Wednesday and discussed issues of mutual interest.  Read: Nordic countries’ assistance to Bangladesh to continue: envoys They held the meetings to coincide with the global celebration of "Nordic Day".  The purpose of the meetings was also to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic ties. The Nordic countries were among the first to recognise independent Bangladesh on February 4, 1972.  The meetings highlighted both the long history and steadfast friendship between the countries, as well as the partnership going forward. The Nordic countries and Bangladesh share a commitment to multilateralism, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda and tackling global challenges such as climate change.  The discussions included top priorities such as freedom of expression and women's empowerment.