Violence inconsistent with democracy: Mozena

BNP Chief Khaleda Zia and US Ambassador Dan W Mozena

US Ambassador in Dhaka Dan W Mozena today expressed concern over recent attacks on lawyers, journalists and university teachers saying violence is not consistent with a democratic process.

"The US government’s concern at the recent wave of arrests of senior political leaders, given the intimidating effect that this has on those who wish to peacefully exercise their democratic rights and whose participation is critical for the success of future dialogue between the two sides," he said in a statement today.

A media wing staff of the US embassy distributed the statement after the US envoy declined to talk to the media following his meeting with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at her Gulshan office this afternoon.

The meeting continued for over an hour.

"He underscored the ever more urgent need for the parties to engage in serious dialogue immediately to find an agreed way forward to free and fair elections that are credible in the eyes of the Bangladeshi people." 

The statement added that Mozena and Khaleda discussed the democratic process, the responsibility that the government has to provide political space to the opposition so it can freely express its political views, and the responsibility that the opposition has to use this space peacefully. 

"The ambassador noted that the incidents on Sunday at the Supreme Court, Press Club and Dhaka University were most disturbing as they were contrary to the democratic process and must not be allowed to recur," the statement said.

"Ambassador Mozena reiterated our call for all parties to eschew violence, which is not consistent with the democratic process, is unacceptable, and must stop immediately."