CT Online Desk:

The European Union (EU) has assured that it would work with the upcoming new Bangladesh government led by Awami League that witnessed a landslide victory in the 12th parliamentary election.

"We will continue to work with the Government of Bangladesh on the priorities that characterise our longstanding relations in the political, human rights, trade and development spheres including the country's possible future access to the GSP+ preferential trade scheme," said a statement made by High Representative on behalf of the European Union on Tuesday.

It said that the EU took note of the outcome of the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh and reiterated that the long-term EU-Bangladesh partnership is underpinned by the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. In the statement, the EU condemned the acts of violence that occurred during the electoral period and urges everybody to refrain from violence in the post-election period.

The EU strongly encouraged all stakeholders to respect political pluralism, democratic values and international human rights standards and to engage in peaceful dialogue. "It is essential that the media, civil society and political parties can carry out their work without censorship or fear of reprisals," said the statement.

The EU regretted that not all major parties participated in this election, it said. The statement said it is also key that the rule of law, judicial independence, due process and the right to peaceful assembly are respected and upheld in this period and beyond. "In this regard, detention of opposition figures is highly concerning," said the statement.

The EU also welcomed the agreement of the authorities to make public the upcoming report and recommendations of the EU Election Expert Mission. "In the same spirit of transparency and accountability, we call upon the relevant authorities to ensure a timely and full investigation of all reported election irregularities," read the statement.

DCT/OL/AH/END