EU asks Bangla caretaker govt to ensure fair polls

Dhaka, Jan 13: The European Union (EU) has called upon newlyappointed Chief Advisor Fakhruddin Ahmed and his interim caretakergovernment to create a ''conducive environment'' for holding a credibledemocratic election in the country.

The call was made through an EU presidency declaration issued in Berlin and Brussels on Friday.

On Thursday President Iajuddin Ahmed declared state of emergencyto quell political turmoil over the general election scheduled onJanuary 22. The date for the elections has not yet been fixed.

''The European Union is monitoring events in Bangladesh closelyfollowing the latest developments, including the decision by thePresident to impose a state of emergency and to relinquish his post asChief Advisor in the Caretaker Government,'' the EU press release said.

The EU urged all election stakeholders to carry theirresposibility to ensure national and international confidence in thedemocratic process of Bangladesh.

It also underscored the need for a judicious approach by the ChiefAdvisor and his Caretaker Government to the present restrictionsimposed on fundamental rights and media freedom.

The EU urged full restoration of civil and political rights to the people of Bangladesh at the earliest opportunity.

UNI

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