A free, fair and inclusive election is important for Bangladesh, which is on track to become a middle-income country, says US Ambassador to Bangladesh Marcia Bernicat.
“Political parties must accept their rivals as legitimate participations in the political process and as potential leaders of the next government, even when they disagree on issues or policies,” she said on Monday (Sept 17).
"It's essential that Bangladeshis urge nonviolence by all actors at every stage of the democratic process, before, during, and after the elections," Bernicat said.
Democracy International brought together 400 Awami League and BNP leaders to inaugurate `ShantiteBijoy’ Campaign’, a national campaign ahead of the next national election, seeking peace centering the polls.
The campaign was launched at Bangabandhu International Convention Centre (BICC) with a slogan 'Bangladesh will win if peace wins.'
Prime Minister's Political Affairs Adviser HT Imam, senior BNP leader Dr Moyeen Khan, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Marcia Bernicat and British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Alison Blake along with senior political leaders attended the event.