From across the divide, Bangladeshi politicians pledge peaceful general elections

More than 400 leaders of the Awami League and the BNP converged on one platform at the initiave of development partners to pledge nonviolent and peaceful general elections.

The political leaders from 40 districts attended the launch of the Shantite Bijoy (Win with Peace) campaign of Democracy international at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka on Monday.

They stood with their central leadership in support of peace and harmony, and together took a vow against violence, the organisers said in a press release.

Prime Minister’s Political Advisor HT Imam and BNP Standing Committee member Moyeen Khan, US Ambassador Marcia Bernicat, and British High Commissioner Alison Blake, among others, spoke at the event.

“The government is always sincere about establishing a democratic, peaceful, and ideal Bangladesh. For peaceful elections in the future everybody should refrain from false propaganda, and cease spreading hatred,” Imam said.

“Today’s event is unique because we have leaders from all major political parties from across Bangladesh in the same room. We want peaceful election as well as a peaceful environment for the national election. But peace requires social and political justice,” Moyeen said.

Blake said, "The people of Bangladesh believe that peaceful elections and politics will lead to a brighter future for everyone in Bangladesh. We have all come together here today because we share that hope."

Bernicat said, “Today’s event is the result of great partnership between the US Government, British Government – and all of YOU – our Bangladeshi partners. It is the will, the ambition for growth and progress that unites all of us.” 

With the general elections approaching, the Win with Peace campaign will engage and raise awareness among registered political parties, candidates, and citizens in Bangladesh on the importance of peaceful elections and tolerant politics, Democracy International said.

The campaign is providing the people of Bangladesh with a platform to raise their voice to demand peace, harmony, and tolerant politics. It is bringing together political leaders and citizens of Bangladesh in peace rallies, face-to-face dialogues with candidates, round table meetings, and workshops across Bangladesh.

The Win with Peace campaign was launched under Strengthening Political Landscape (SPL) project implemented by Democracy International and co-funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (UK Aid).