EU worried, calls for dialogue

The European Union has expressed deep concern over the recent wave of violence in Bangladesh and called for constructive dialogue.
In a letter to Foreign Minister Dipu Muni on April 2, Baroness Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the European Union, urged all political actors to use their influence to stop such incidents.
The EU's diplomatic chief welcomed the government efforts to protect groups most vulnerable to “violent extremism”, notably the Hindu community.
She recalled "the EU has repeatedly stressed the need to avoid a confrontational approach to politics and to engage in a constructive dialogue, notably with a view to ensuring that the next elections will be peaceful and credible."
The EU continues to fund the strengthening of election management by the Election Commission, with a contribution worth €10 million.
In the letter, Cathy Ashton recalled the EU's longstanding tradition of friendship with Bangladesh, and indicated that the EU was willing to deploy an exploratory mission for election observation.