US did not find Bangladesh polls 'free and fair'

The United States has again reiterated that it did not find the national polls held earlier this month to be free and fair. The country also urged the Bangladesh government to ensure a fair legal process for those arrested ahead of the polls.

When asked what steps the US is taking in regards to the human rights situation in Bangladesh, Matthew Miller, the US Department of State Spokesperson said, "So you have heard me speak about our concerns about the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh before. We did not find them to be free and fair.

"We have also expressed our concerns with the arrest of thousands of political opposition members in the run-up to those elections."

Miller made the remarks at a department press briefing on Tuesday.

On the subject, Miller added, "I will say two things. One, we urge the Bangladeshi Government to ensure a fair and transparent legal process for all of the arrested individuals.

"We also urge the Bangladeshi Government to allow opposition members and media professionals, civil society representatives, to participate meaningfully in the country’s democratic process and civic life, and we will continue to engage with the Bangladeshi Government to advance that point of view."

The spokesperson was also asked about a Canadian inquiry on Bangladesh on election interference. He said, "So I don’t have a response with respect to the Canadian inquiry that you referenced. That’s a matter for Canada to speak to.

"I will say with respect to Bangladesh, democracy – as we have said any number of times as it pertains to Bangladesh and others – advances peace, prosperity, and security. It is at the centre of the United States’ foreign policy and we continue to engage with the Bangladeshi Government to advance democratic principles, which are key to ensuring peace and prosperity for all Bangladeshis."

/KN/