The heads of foreign missions in Dhaka have said they want the 'democracy in action' during the Dhaka South and North city corporations elections, slated for Feb 1.
"The Dhaka City Corporation elections on Feb 1 are an opportunity for the citizens of Dhaka to exercise their democratic rights. We look forward to seeing democracy in action in polling centres across the city," said a joint statement issued by the heads of nine missions on Thursday (Jan 30).
The foreign diplomats also want "the government, the Election Commission and all political parties will respect the rights of citizens to cast their votes in a peaceful and festive atmosphere, and count the votes with fairness and integrity," it added.
Heads of mission who made the call are Canadian High Commissioner in Dhaka Benoit Préfontaine, Swedish Ambassador Charlotta Schlyter, US Ambassador Earl R Miller, British High Commissioner Robert Chatterton Dickson, Norway envoy Sidsel Bleken, Danish envoy Winnie Estrup Petersen, Dutch embassy's Charge d’Affairs envoy Jeroen Steeghs, Acting Australian High Commissioner Penny Morton, and Swiss Embassy's Charge d’Affairs Suzanne Muller.