Bangladesh
Elections | 3 Parties US calls for unconditional dialogue between the three parties, recalls the visa policy
Own Correspondent, Dhaka, 14 November 2023: The United States has called for 'unconditional dialogue' between the three major political parties, Awami League, BNP and Jatiya Party, to make the upcoming 12th National Parliament elections free, fair and participatory in Bangladesh. US Ambassador to Dhaka, Peter De Haas, is meeting with these three main political parties of the country on the issue of upcoming national elections. He urged everyone to participate in the dialogue unconditionally.
On Monday, November 13, the spokesperson of the US Embassy in Dhaka, Stephen Ebelli, said in a statement that the United States wants to see a free and fair election in Bangladesh in a peaceful environment. We call on all parties to refrain from violence and exercise restraint. The United States does not endorse any political party.
The statement reminded of the visa policy of the United States, that the pre-announced US Visa Policy (TRC) will be implemented against those who undermine the democratic election process.
Meanwhile, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu has written to the three main political parties of the country, Awami League, BNP and Jatiya Party, as part of the US's initiative to negotiate. US Ambassador to Dhaka, Peter De Haas, is handing over the letter to the parties urging them to hold fair elections. As a part of this, he handed over the letter to Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Monday afternoon. However, Awami League and BNP have not yet officially confirmed the receipt of the letter.
