After the US and the UK expressed their negative remarks over Bangladesh`s general election held on Sunday, Canada has expressed its disappointment over the electoral process.
“Canada commends and supports the democratic aspirations of Bangladeshi citizens and condemns the acts of intimidation and violence that took place ahead and during the elections. We extend our sympathy to all of those who have been affected by the violence that has occurred, "said Canada Global Affairs in a statement.
“Canada expresses its disappointment that this electoral process has fallen short of the principles of democracy and freedom upon which Bangladesh was founded and calls on the 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. Fair elections with a viable opposition, independent democratic institutions and freedom of the press are critical to ensuring a strong and healthy democracy," it said.
“Canada was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, and remains committed to support the people of Bangladesh in their aspirations for a more stable, prosperous, and democratic future," it concluded.
On Tuesday, the Canadian High Commission in Dhaka said that the country did not deploy any election observer to monitor Bangladesh’s January 7 national election,
“Any individual who identifies as a Canadian observer is acting independently,” reads a message shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Their views, said the Canadian High Commission, have not been endorsed by the government of Canada.
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