The United States does not wish to make any public statements regarding the impending national election in Bangladesh, which is slated to take place in next January.
Deputy Principal Spokesperson Vedant Patel of US Department of State has said, “I don’t have anything else to get into that beyond as it’s an internal, domestic election.” He made these remarks in response to a journalist’s question about how the United States would handle a scenario in which another party in Bangladesh refuses to participate in a national election and may later claim that the election was discriminatory and unjust.
US is more focused on deepening diplomatic relations
However, Patel emphasized that when it comes to voting, they want elections that are free and fair and that accurately reflect the will of the Bangladeshi people. “I will say broadly, though, is that the U.S. and Bangladesh last year celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations, and we look forward to continuing to deepen those relationships,” he said at a daily media conference at the US Department of State on Monday.
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Patel stated that Dhaka and Washington have the potential for substantial cooperation and engagement in a variety of areas, including climate change, the economy, addressing the humanitarian crisis, and other issues.
Bangladesh welcomes foreign observers
The United States consistently expressed interest in “free, fair, and acceptable elections” for Bangladesh’s national elections. Earlier, the United States reaffirmed its desire for a free and fair election in Bangladesh, emphasizing that the international community will be observing Bangladesh’s upcoming national election.
During his April 10 meeting with Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abul Momen, US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken had said, “Of course, we’re looking – the world is looking – to Bangladesh for its next election, to make sure that they set a strong example of free and fair election for the region and for the world.”
In response, Momen had requested that Secretary Blinken send as many election observers as feasible, with the condition that they be impartial and not of Bangladeshi descent in order to avoid partisan observers.
Since the opposition party claims that the elections were unfair, Bangladesh has always welcomed foreign observers to observe the election process. However, no nation, including Bangladesh, would want any assistance or interference from the global community and US has never wanted to interfere as well.
Moreover, Bangladesh foreign minister had declared in April, after meeting with UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis, “There is no need for us to take any cooperation from the United Nations.” We are mature enough. We have formed those necessary institutions which are needed for a fair, transparent, and acceptable election.” “But we have no objection regarding foreign observers in the election. Although many developed countries do not take them. But we don’t mind taking it. We welcome them (observers),” he added welcoming foreign observers during election.
