US to work with government elected by people of Bangladesh: US Ambassador

US Ambassador to Dhaka, Brent Christensen, said that the United States will remain neutral in Bangladesh's upcoming elections and will cooperate fully with whichever government the Bangladeshi people choose.

Speaking to reporters following his meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission office in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Wednesday afternoon, the ambassador stated, “The United States will not take sides in the Bangladesh elections. We will work with the government that the people elect.”

He expressed keen interest in the February 12 elections, saying, “I am very interested in the upcoming February 12 elections. I am looking forward to these elections and eager to see their results.”

Ambassador Christensen reiterated, “The US government does not take sides in the Bangladesh elections. The right to determine the election results belongs solely to the people of Bangladesh. We are prepared to work with the government that the people of Bangladesh elect as their representative.”

Referring to his recent meeting with the chief adviser, he noted, “When I met the chief adviser last week, he expressed hope that Election Day would be a festive occasion. I hope it will indeed be a joyful and festive election, where the people of Bangladesh can freely express their views, leading to a very successful election.”

The ambassador added that he was satisfied with the information provided by the CEC and, like everyone else, is anticipating the results on February 12.

The meeting at the CEC's office began around noon, with EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed also in attendance. 

The US ambassador was accompanied by embassy political officers David Mu and Firoz Ahmed.