Diplomats call for dialogue, compromise to end violence

A group of foreign diplomats today called for a dialogue and compromise among rival political parties for bringing an end to the deadly violence.

Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat, the newly appointed US ambassador to Bangladesh, said: "Like my colleagues, we have called for the cessation of the violence."

"We are absolutely optimistic that Bangladesh and Bangladeshis have the resolve to solve the crisis. You have the blessing of the democratic space and you have vibrant press, the civil society and active and resource-rich business community," she said.

"We have faith that Bangladeshis will use all of those resources, and all Bangladeshis will take responsibility for helping to resolve the crisis.'

She spoke at a programme organised by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) at Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka.

The US diplomat was joined by a large number of ambassadors, high commissioners and senior officials of different diplomatic missions and development partners.  

Benoit-Pierre Laramee, Canadian high commissioner, said the ongoing violence must stop, and there must be space for peaceful political programmes.

Alexander Nikolaev, ambassador of Russia, said the current political situation of the country is a matter of great concern for the FBCCI and others as it is a threat for the economic development of the country.

Lee Yan Young, ambassador of South Korea, said: "We hope this kind of political crisis should end through compromise and consensus among political parties as soon as possible."

He supported the call from the people in the country, many institutions and the civil society who are asking for peace and dialogue among the parties.

Since the violence broke out across the country on January 6 after the government denied the BNP-led alliance permission to hold rallies on January 5, at least 71 people have died, mostly in petrol bomb attacks. 

Police also arrested hundreds of political activists and leaders belonging to the protesting alliance for their alleged involvement in the violence.

The blockade and associated violence have hit the economy very hard, with the country counting an average economic loss of Tk 2,700 crore per day, said FBCCI President Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed.