DHAKA, Dec 23, 2018 (BSS) – Canada has encouraged all involved in the Bangladesh electoral process to work together in fostering a peaceful campaign environment for enabling people to participate safely in a free, fair, inclusive and credible elections.
“Canada stands by the people of Bangladesh and supports all voters in the full exercise of their democratic rights and freedoms,” Canadian High Commissioner in Dhaka Benoit Prefontaine said in a statement, posted on the official facebook page of the mission today.
The pre-election campaign should be carried out in a calm and responsible manner by all concerned, he said and adding this includes protection of the political and electoral rights of minority and other vulnerable groups and ensuring free space for civil society.
Noting that peace and security are the cornerstones of democracy, the Canadian envoy said acts of violence and intimidation undermine the legitimacy of the democratic process.