Germany wants to see 'credible, participatory' polls in Bangladesh

German Ambassador Dr Rüdiger Lotz today (26 November) highlighted the importance of a "free, fair, credible and participatory" election in Bangladesh with a high turnout, and hoped that the political parties would refrain from violence among themselves during the election campaign.

"I think it's important to see the election to have a free, fair, credible and participatory election and an election with a high outcome. I would like to see of course a peaceful election campaign where parties refrain from political violence amongst each other," he said.

The German ambassador made the remarks at 'DCAB Talk' hosted by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Jatiya Press Club (JPC). DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun also spoke at the event.  

Talking about the upcoming national election, scheduled for February next year, Ambassador Lotz said this is something that has an importance that goes far beyond Bangladesh, a country that returns from "autocracy to democracy" and has an impact all over Asia and in the truest sense in the world democracy.

Explaining what he meant by participatory election, the envoy said participatory means people have the chance to participate in the elections and a plurality of parties can participate, making sure that "no one is hindered from participating" in the elections.

Regarding expected voter turnout, the ambassador referred to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, who had mentioned a threshold of 60% which would be the goal to reach.

"That's very reasonable. Of course, we cannot influence that, but I think high voter turnout is a very important element," Ambassador Lotz said, highlighting the importance of an election process where no one is intimidated, where people can freely express their opinion and where the election result is counted in a way that is correct.

The German ambassador who submitted his credentials in August said he always likes the expression that Prof Yunus has used - a joyful election, and that is really a moment of joy to see.

He, however, said they all know there are challenges on the way to coming to that point. "You will have our support, the European Union will most likely also send an observer mission - a very big one - because it's a big and an important country."

Ambassador Lotz said this is an important basis as they share values of how a government should be formed. "When I came here and started to talk to people, I was really amazed about the openness of people and I don't talk only about the economic and political elite. When you talk to ordinary people, people are willing to express their opinion and that is something which shows how strong the democratic roots in the country actually are."

Responding to a question, the ambassador said voter turnouts are different in different countries and in many Western countries they differ from 50pc to 80pc or so and that does not really put into question the legitimacy of the elections.

"I think the higher the turnout the better. And I think as a mark that somehow indicates a good turnout," he added. 

Ambassador Lotz said they are convinced together with their European partners that the country needs free and fair and credible elections.

"We have the impression that the country all in all is in a good way to achieve that. One line I always have when talking also to people back home - you will have the biggest democratic elections in the world in 2026," he added.

Regional Cooperation

The ambassador said the region needs regional cooperation and in Europe they have had very positive experiences with regional cooperation.

He said the European Union, as a form of regional working together, is really working closely together. "I think we have come pretty far in Europe when it comes to this form of cooperation."

Ambassador Lotz, however, said now every region in the world is different and has other historic experiences.

"So we cannot completely copy one system but I think all over the world there are probably few regions in the world who have so little regional cooperation like South Asia. And this is something which I think the region as a whole must see as a challenge that should be addressed and no matter who governs," he added.

The ambassador said there are geographical realities that will always be here. "Your neighbor will always be India. China will always play a major role. That is not so surprising and I think that will stay like that."

He said all other foreign policy decisions are the independent decisions of a sovereign government after the elections.

National Reconciliation

The German ambassador said what the country needs in the long run or in the short run is eventually a process of "national reconciliation" and a national dialogue.

"If I may say so, I say that has been missing here for many years. The country has to come together. Now I understand that it's difficult in a situation where the representatives of the former regime are not willing to admit that something went profoundly wrong," he said.

Ambassador Lotz said this is something they are not there yet but he could imagine that after the elections and in the upcoming time after the elections, there must be at the time when it comes really to the need to get into such form of national reconciliation.

Responding to a question, the ambassador said it is important in general that political parties stay committed to the reform process and stay committed to the reform process also after the elections.

"I see the July Charter and the whole process as an attempt really to have a clear commitment whoever governs to continue this reform process. So far I see there is a broad willingness to go in this direction," he said.

This is something they discussed also internally with leaders of political parties and they will continue to do so because, Ambassador Lotz said, adding that it is really the key for this country that this reform process that started in August 2024 is going on even further.

Hasina's Trial

Asked what would be Germany' position if convicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina seeks shelter in Germany, the ambassador said they have not received any question or any wish in that direction.

"So, I think if that would ever happen, we would start a discussion process but it's such a theoretical question whether we would be willing or not and I think I'm not in a position to answer that," he added.

When it comes to the legal procedure, Ambassador Lotz said, it is of key importance to have a legal way to confront the injustice of the past, abuse of power by the past regime. This is important for any country after such a political change. "So yes, that has to happen."

He said the European Union and Germany have always been against the death penalty without exception. "So of course we are also in this case against the death penalty."

Secondly, Ambassador Lotz said, this attempt to confront the abuse of power and the injustice of the past has to be done in a way that respects the basic ideas of rule of law.

"It has to be due procedure and I think for the legitimacy of such a process not only of this or many others that involve people from the former government," the ambassador said.

He thinks it would be extremely advisable to have a legal procedure respecting - in a broad sense - rule of law.

Ambassador Lotz said there is some willingness but he thinks there are still cases where the government and the judicial authorities have a closer look whether the rule of law has been respected in a sufficient way.