Shawdesh desk:

A total of 12 western countries and the Delegation of the European Union on Wednesday condemned the July 17 attack on Dhaka-17 constituency independent candidate Ashraful Alam, popularly known as Hero Alam while the election was in progress.

The countries and the delegation, in a joint statement signed by the embassies and high commissions of the countries, also said that violence had no place in the democratic process.

The statement called Bangladesh authorities for a full investigation and accountability for the perpetrators.

‘Everyone involved in the upcoming elections should ensure that they are free, fair, and peaceful,’ the statement read.

The countries that signed the statement include Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States.

Hero Alam was allegedly beaten by the ruling Awami League activists in the presence of the police at the Banani Bidyaniketan School polling centre during July 17 by-poll in Dhaka.

AL candidate won the by-election and Hero Alam was his nearest contestant.

Earlier on Tuesday, the United Nations in Bangladesh expressed concern over the attack while the United States of America called for holding the perpetrators to account.

International rights watchdog Amnesty International also condemned the attack on Hero Alam on Tuesday.