US Delegation Urges For Meaningful Dialogue

The United States' pre-election assessment mission has urged political parties in Bangladesh to engage in a meaningful dialogue to ensure a credible, inclusive, and violence-free election.

They made the call through a press release from Washington on Saturday. International Republican Institute (IRI) and National Democratic Institute (NDI) disclosed it on Sunday (October 15).

IRI, NDI and the joint US pre-election assessment mission said, the upcoming national election in Bangladesh is a litmus test for democracy in the country.

The delegation offered the recommendations below as a roadmap for progress toward credible, inclusive, participatory, and nonviolent elections that can advance Bangladesh's democracy. Recommendations as a roadmap for progress toward credible, inclusive, participatory, and nonviolent elections:

• Moderate rhetoric and engage in open and substantive dialogue on key election issues.
• Protect freedom of expression and ensure an open civic space where dissent is respected.
• Commit to nonviolence and hold perpetrators of political violence accountable.
• Create conditions to allow all parties to engage in meaningful political competition, including bolstering independent election management
• Promote a culture of inclusive and active electoral participation among citizens.