United News of Bangladesh

The European Union (EU) on Wednesday stressed the importance of a ‘peaceful election in Bangladesh, saying Bangladesh-EU relations could reach new heights following a successful democratic transition, ushering in a new era of engagement between Dhaka and the world’s largest economic bloc. Visiting Acting Managing Director for Asia-Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS) Paola Pampaloni, who met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna, said the EU attaches top priority to its relationship with Bangladesh, reflected in its decision to deploy a significant, high-level election observation mission to monitor the February-12 general election. She said the head of the EU Election Observation Mission would arrive in Bangladesh later this week and is expected to hold a series of meetings with political leaders and relevant authorities. Prof Yunus said both the general election and the referendum were crucial for Bangladesh’s democratic transition. He said political parties have endorsed the July Charter and expressed confidence that they would campaign for ‘yes’ votes in the referendum. “I don’t think any party will seek a ‘no’ vote,” he said. The Chief Adviser reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the vote would be free, fair, participatory and peaceful.  “People in this country have not been able to vote in free and fair elections for the past 16 years under autocratic rule. This time, they will vote in a festive manner,” he added. Prof Yunus described the Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) as one of the most important agreements for Bangladesh and said it would ‘solidify’ Bangladesh-European Union (EU) relations.