Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has welcomed the Bangladesh’s interim government led by Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

“We welcome the inauguration of a new interim government, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. This is the first step in restoring peace, to pave the way for free and fair elections and democratic governance,” she said in a statement on Friday (Canadian local time), disseminated by Canadian mission here today.  
  
She said Canada supports a peaceful way forward in the resolution of the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh.

“During this period of transition, Canada looks forward to engaging with the interim government in supporting a process that is inclusive with broad political participation by all sectors of society, including religious minorities, youth, women and other minorities,” she said.

Joly said Canada reiterated its calls for calm and urged all parties to work together to promote the principles of democratic and inclusive governance, respect for human rights, and the rule of law in Bangladesh.

“Canada also calls on the (Bangladesh) interim government to maintain full access to internet and other communication means to support the exercise of freedom of expression, and to pursue accountability and a full impartial investigation into the deaths and violence that have occurred,” the minister added.