DHAKA:  European Union (EU) on Friday urged all sides in Bangladesh to refrain from any actions that could spark further violence in the country.

"In the run up to the vote for the mayoral elections in Dhaka and Chittagong, all sides must refrain from any actions that could spark further violence in Bangladesh,” said the spokesperson on the preparation for mayoral elections in Bangladesh, in a statement.
 
“We look to political leaders to create favorable conditions for peaceful, inclusive, transparent and credible elections to take place,” the statement reads.

Voters must be given the opportunity to express freely their democratic choice, it added.

“All political actors should take concrete steps to end violence, de-escalate tensions and engage in a constructive manner, for the long-term stability and democratic development of Bangladesh," the EU spokesperson further said.

BDST: 1358 HRS, APR 25, 2015
RS