A delegation of European Union member states addresses a press conference at a hotel in the capital on Wednesday. Photo: Amran Hossain

European Commission representatives in Bangladesh have urged main political parties to reach to a consensus on “politically acceptable and constitutionally viable mechanism" for conducting the country’s next general election.

"We believe that a politically acceptable and constitutionally viable mechanism can be agreed," the EU representatives said at a joint press conference at Hotel Lakeshore in the capital Wednesday afternoon.

Representatives of the EU delegation and of the eight EU member states with the resident diplomatic members in Dhaka highlighted a number of issues of concern.

They also called upon the main political parties to engage in constructive discussions at the earliest opportunity so that the country can find a way forward towards free, fair and credible elections.

The call came ahead of the Europe Day (May 12).

The leaders called upon the Bangladesh government to act immediately to ensure that garment factories in the country comply with the international labour standards, including International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention.

They highlighted that the EU is willing and ready to assist Bangladesh in any way it can meet the required international standard.

The EU mission's representatives also expressed deep concern about the excessive levels of political confrontation in Bangladesh.

The mounting political violence in recent months including attacks on minorities and their homes and places of worship is of a particular concern.

They called the main political parties to engage in constructive dialogues inside and outside the parliament.

The EU and its member states are the main contributors to the project to strengthen election management, in support of the election commission, in the run-up to the general election and beyond.

The EU stands ready to send an election observation mission to Bangladesh for the next general elections.

European Union Ambassador William Hanna, British High Commissioner Robert Winnington Gibson, German Ambassador Dr Albrecht Conze, Spanish Ambassador Luis Tajada Chacon,  Italian Ambassador Giorgio Guglielmino spoke on the occasion.

Charge de affairs of the Denmark, Sweden Netherlands and France were also present during the press conference.