13 foreign missions condemn attack on Hero Alom, questions BD’s democratic process

Staff Reporter  :
In a unified statement of solidarity and concern, the Embassies/High Commissions of 13 nations and the European Union have in strong words condemned the recent attack on Dhaka-17 constituency candidate Ashraful Alom, known popularly as Hero Alom.

The attack, which occurred on July 17, has raised serious concerns about the safety and integrity of the democratic process in Bangladesh.

The signatories to the joint statement, representing Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union, have emphasised the significance of a free, fair, and

peaceful electoral process, read a statement published on the US Embassy website on Wednesday.
“We condemn the July 17 attack on Dhaka-17 constituency candidate Ashraful Alom, popularly known as Hero Alom. Violence has no place in the democratic process,” the statement read.
Embassies/High Commissions have also underscored the urgency for Bangladeshi authorities to take immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice and provide adequate security measures for all candidates participating in the elections.

“We call for a full investigation and accountability for the perpetrators,” the statement read.
The joint statement from the Embassies/High Commissions of these thirteen nations and the European Union sends a clear message that violence against political candidates is unacceptable and must be met with swift and just action.

The statement also underscored the need for holding a free, fair and peaceful general election slated for January 2024.
“Everyone involved in the upcoming elections should ensure that they are free, fair, and peaceful,” it read.

The attack on Hero Alom has drawn international attention by the United States and the Amnesty International.
The US State Department on Monday condemned the attack on Hero Alom, saying “This type of political violence has no place in democratic elections.”
US Spokesperson Mathew Miller urged the government of Bangladesh to conduct thorough, transparent, and impartial investigations into reports of violence, ensuring that the perpetrators are held accountable.

“We encourage the Government of Bangladesh to investigate any reports of violence thoroughly, transparently, and impartially, and to hold the perpetrators of violence to account,” he said.
Condemning the attack on Hero Alom, Amnesty International said, “Such an attack sends a chilling message ahead of the country’s next general elections in January 2024,”
The organisation also stated that the authorities must “immediately and impartially” investigate the attack, and bring the perpetrators to account.
Amnesty International tweeted saying human rights must be respected at all times, especially before, during and after elections.