Japan condemns violence over Bangladesh city polls

Japan has joined the western countries in condemning the violence during the campaigning for Bangladesh’s city polls.

The Asian giant has urged all sides to exercise “utmost restraint” and play “constructive role” for a “free, fair and peaceful” election.

“Whatever the case may be, we believe such acts are great disservice to the public, to society and to the people, who seek successful elections,” the Japanese embassy in Dahak said in a statement on Friday.

The statement followed the recent attacks on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s motorcade when she was campaigning for her party-endorsed mayor candidates in Dhaka.

The US and the UK earlier expressed their concerns over the attacks while the UN called for “secure and safe” environment for free, fair and inclusive elections.

Opposition BNP boycotted 2014 general elections, but endorsed candidates for the Apr 28 Dhaka and Chittagong polls, ending more than three months of violent blockades.

Khaleda blamed government supporters for the attacks on her motorcade while Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier dubbed it as a mere ‘drama’ staged by her archrival.

The Japanese embassy said they had noted with “concern” the series of violence.

“We expect all the stakeholders to exercise utmost restraint and strive to play a constructive role to ensure the election campaign and elections are conducted in a free, fair, and peaceful manner,” read the statement.