Staff correspondent :

The pre-election assessment delegation comprising representatives of the US Democratic and Republican parties has called for dialogue to resolve the differences between the country’s political parties to ensure an acceptable and participatory election in Bangladesh.
In a statement on Saturday after returning home, the delegation proposed dialogue as the number one pre-condition of its five-point recommendations. They drafted their recommendations after talking to various stakeholders, including political parties and the Election Commission of Bangladesh.
A joint delegation of the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) visited Bangladesh from October 8 to 11 for an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral preparations for the upcoming 12th National Assembly elections.
The delegation’s recommendations include: safeguarding freedom of expression and open and substantive dialogue on key electoral issues and ensuring an open civic space, commitment to non-violence, accountability of perpetrators of political violence, creation of conditions for all parties to engage in meaningful political competition and fostering a culture of inclusive and active electoral participation among citizens. 
During the visit to Bangladesh, the US delegation held meetings with the Prime Minister, Ministers and Government officials, Election Commission (EC), various political leaders, civil society representatives, representatives of various social groups, religious minorities and media representatives.
In the statement, the delegation observed that Bangladesh has a strong tradition of democratic values ​​upheld by ideological pluralism, robust media, active civil society and politically engaged civil society.
It said Bangladesh has achieved strong economic growth over the past few decades, demonstrated success in infrastructure development, poverty reduction and environmental leadership. These achievements lay a strong foundation for achieving the vision of becoming a developed country by 2041.
Regarding the electoral context of the 12th National Assembly elections, the delegation observed that electoral violence has historically been a common problem in Bangladesh. 
“Political deadlock and declining confidence in the democratic process cast a shadow over this progress and risk undermining economic and development trajectories,” the delegation said in a statement.
The delegation recognized that the people of Bangladesh will ultimately determine the credibility and legitimacy of their elections and the democratic development of their country.
“The pre-election statement is made in the spirit of supporting and strengthening democratic institutions in Bangladesh,” the delegation said.