The European Union (EU) has urged all political parties in Bangladesh to “engage constructively” in next steps of the democratic transition process.

The EU mission in Dhaka made the remark on its official facebook page on Thursday night, hours after Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus delivered a national address.

The 27-member bloc apparently extended support to the state reform and election plans announced by Yunus in the speech.

“The EU supports the transition in Bangladesh under the interim government leading to democratic elections,” it said.

In his speech, the interim government chief announced holding a referendum on state reform implementation, and the general elections on the same day in early February.

He also announced plans for the formation of a Constitution Reform Council following elections and the setting up of an upper house based on proportionate representation system.

While Jamaat-e-Islami has opposed holding two votes on the same day over rigging and violence concerns, BNP has opposed all other plans as these were beyond “political consensus.”

“We encourage the political parties to engage constructively in next steps,” the EU said.

“We welcome the leadership of Chief Adviser Yunus in view of the holding of participatory, free and fair elections in February next year,” the EU also said.