DHAKA: The European Union (EU) wants consensus of most political parties about participating in the next general election instead of an immediate polls in the country.

Chairperson of European Union’s Committee on South Asia Jean Lambert, also a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), was briefing journalists at Gulshan in city on Wednesday.

The EU head of delegation in Bangladesh Pierre Mayaudon was also present in the press conference.

Jean Lambert said political parties should ensure for participatory election so that people can practice their right to franchise.

She also expressed EU concern over the January 5 general elections where they did not send observers saying most of the parties did not participate in the elections.

The MEP claimed a huge gap of mindset among the leaders of political parties is visible. It is still a long way for the next elections.

Lambert also said they did not come here to give solutions saying people of this country and the government will have to find out the solution.

In response to another question, Lambert said EU still wants BNP to cut its ties with Jamaat-e-Islami.

MEP Jean Lambert came in Bangladesh on Saturday at the invitation of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers’ and Exporters’ Association (BGMEA) to attend the three-day long Apparel Summit in Dhaka.

She will leave the country on Wednesday night.

BDST: 2155 HRS, DEC 10, 2014