Western diplomats in Dhaka said they want to see democracy in action as the Dhaka South and North City Corporation elections are going to be held day after tomorrow.

“The Dhaka City Corporation elections on 1 February are an opportunity for the citizens of Dhaka to exercise their democratic rights,” said a joint statement of nine diplomats posted on the UK High Commission’s Facebook page today evening.

“We look forward to seeing democracy in action in polling centres across the city,” they said.

They hope that the government of Bangladesh, 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.

The signatories to the statement include Benoit Prefontaine, high commissioner of Canada; Charlotta Schlyter, ambassador of Sweden; Earl Miller, ambassador of United States; Robert Chatterton Dickson, High Commissioner of UK; Sidsel Bleken, ambassador of Norway; Winnie Estrup Petersen, ambassador of Denmark; Jeroen Steeghs, charge d’affairs of the Netherlands; Penny Morton, acting high commissioner of Australia and Suzanne Muller, charge d’affairs of Switzerland.