World
United States Bangladesh election was not fair: US
Washington, Jan 9: The United States believes that the recently held 12th national election of Bangladesh was not free and fair. At the same time, they also mentioned that not all parties participated in the elections. The United States stated its position on Monday in a statement on the Bangladesh election.
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement that the United States supports the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh for democracy, freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
The United States noted that the Awami League won the majority of seats in the January 7 parliamentary elections. The United States is concerned about the arrest of thousands of opposition political activists and reports of election day irregularities. The United States shares the view with other observers that the election was not free or fair, and we regret that not all parties participated in the election.
Matthew Miller said the United States condemns the violence during the election and in the months leading up to it. We encourage the Government of Bangladesh to credibly investigate reports of violence and hold perpetrators accountable. We call upon all political parties to refrain from violence.
Looking ahead, the United States is committed to partnering with Bangladesh to support human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, deepen our people-to-people and economic ties to advance our shared goal of a free, open Indo-Pacific, the spokesperson said.
