Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland has called upon Bangladesh and its Election Commission (EC) to provide a conducive environment for free, fair, inclusive and participatory national elections tomorrow.

The secretary general noted with concern reports of violence, intimidation and harassment against several candidates and political party activists over the last few weeks, said a statement released in this regard today.

He also emphasised the importance of a political and campaign environment free from intimidation and fear, and called on all political parties and stakeholders to participate peacefully in the electoral process.

The Commonwealth has deployed a two-member senior staff team to observe the election and to meet the Election Commission and some of the stakeholders who will participate in the election, the statement said.

Scotland called on the Government of Bangladesh to uphold the Commonwealth Charter which recognises the inalienable right of individuals to participate in their national democratic processes, in particular, through free and fair elections in shaping the society in which they live. 

Scotland said: “The people of Bangladesh must be allowed to participate, nurture and strengthen their national democratic processes and institutions."

The Secretary-General conveyed her best wishes to the people of Bangladesh as they prepare to participate in their national election.