It remains clear that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is resolute in safeguarding the security and democratic aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.
In the lead-up to Bangladesh’s national election, the joint International Republican Institute (IRI) and National Democratic Institute (NDI) pre-election assessment mission recently arrived in Dhaka, aiming to play a crucial role in evaluating the electoral preparations and conducting an impartial and independent assessment of the nation’s political landscape.
On Monday, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader stated that the US pre-election assessment mission had engaged in discussions about finding a compromise with the BNP. However, he noted that the BNP had blocked all pathways to reaching a middle ground.
Following a meeting with the joint pre-election assessment mission of the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI), Quader stated, “The US observer team discussed the notion of compromise and adjustment. We conveyed to them that democracy inherently involves compromise and adjustment, but we cannot compromise at the expense of violating the constitution.”
“We have no intention of speaking negatively about anyone. However, the BNP is disseminating numerous rumors in the country through their rallies and processions,” added Obaidul Quader.
A Call for Compromise
The mission’s visit prompted discussions with key political stakeholders, including a meeting with a delegation from the ruling Awami League party. During this encounter, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader highlighted the importance of compromise and adjustment within a democracy, emphasizing the need to respect the constitution.
“We have no intention of disparaging anyone, but it is evident that the BNP is disseminating numerous rumors across the country through their rallies and processions,” remarked Obaidul Quader.
Quader underscored the government’s commitment to electoral reforms, stating that the Sheikh Hasina government had introduced 82 reforms over the last 15 years to strengthen the Bangladesh Election Commission. He also reiterated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s promise of free, fair, and impartial elections.
The US pre-election assessment mission clarified that their purpose was not to act as negotiators but to observe and ensure the fairness of the election process. Their impartiality and positive approach were noted by the Awami League leader.
How EC will work with government, US watchdog asks: CEC
Today (10th October) the US pre-election assessment mission held discussions with Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal in Bangladesh. Following the meeting, Commissioner Awal disclosed that the US delegation was highly interested in understanding the electoral procedures for the upcoming national elections and the Election Commission’s strategies for collaboration with the government.
Their primary focus during the discussions was to ensure a free, fair, participatory, and peaceful election in line with democratic principles. The mission, jointly organized by IRI and NDI, aims to conduct an independent assessment of the electoral preparations.
Transparency and information-sharing were key elements of the discussions, with the delegation keen to grasp the Election Commission’s role and responsibilities. Commissioner Awal emphasized that they provided a thorough explanation of these aspects to facilitate the mission’s understanding of Bangladesh’s electoral mechanisms.
Prior to meeting the Election Commission, the delegation engaged in discussions with foreign ministry officials and leaders from both the ruling Awami League and the BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party). This mission underscores a commitment to democracy’s core principles throughout the electoral process in Bangladesh.
Delegation with a Purpose
The IRI and NDI pre-election assessment mission is composed of six distinguished members, co-chaired by Karl F. Inderfurth, former Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs, and Bonnie Glick, former Deputy USAID Administrator. The delegation also includes Maria Chin Abdullah, former member of the House of Representatives in Malaysia; Jamil Jaffer, former Associate Counsel to the President of the United States; Manpreet Singh Anand, NDI Regional Director for Asia-Pacific; and Johanna Kao, IRI Senior Director for the Asia-Pacific Division.
Their mission is carried out in strict accordance with Bangladeshi law and in line with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, signed in 2005 at the United Nations. The delegation plans to meet with a diverse array of election stakeholders, including government officials, political party leaders, election authorities, civil society representatives, and others.
Commitment to Democracy
Both NDI and IRI are nonpartisan, non-governmental organizations with a shared mission to support and strengthen democratic institutions and practices globally. Over the past 30 years, these organizations have collectively observed more than 200 elections in over 50 countries.
This commitment to fostering democracy and ensuring free and fair elections is not limited to the IRI and NDI. Earlier this year, the European Union (EU) sent a six-member Election Exploratory Mission to Bangladesh to assess the country’s political situation and the readiness for fair elections. Unfortunately, budgetary constraints led the EU to announce that it would not be sending observers to Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections.
As the pre-election assessment mission continues its work in Bangladesh, its findings and recommendations will be eagerly awaited by those who value democracy and seek to ensure that the upcoming national elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. The mission’s efforts serve as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation in upholding democratic principles on the global stage.
Awami League’s Viewpoint
Given the Awami League’s strong support for conducting elections that are free, fair, and impartial in Bangladesh, the party does not seem overly worried about the commencement of the U.S. visa ban process targeting those who have obstructed democracy and the electoral process in the country. Instead, the party intends to approach the visa ban with caution and aims to comprehend the United States’ intentions and messages behind this action.
Bangladesh currently finds itself in a delicate geopolitical balancing act, positioned between the United States’ promotion of democratic values in the Indo-Pacific, China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and its own aspirations for equilibrium. The U.S. visa ban and associated sanctions, often driven by strategic interests, underscore the various challenges that Bangladesh is confronting. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s pragmatic approach and the Awami League’s dedication to ensuring fair elections will serve as the guiding principles for Bangladesh’s response.
As the elections draw nearer, Bangladesh’s capacity to navigate this intricate geopolitical landscape while upholding its democratic principles and safeguarding its interests will be of utmost importance.
A Multi-Faceted US Approach to Influence Bangladesh Elections
The United States has adopted an assertive role in its dealings with Bangladesh, extending its influence even to minor domestic matters. While opinions on the reasons behind this involvement vary, diplomats suggest that the U.S. has taken this stance with a keen eye on the upcoming Bangladesh elections. It appears that the U.S. has devised a comprehensive set of strategies to shape these elections to its advantage. These strategies range from influencing international financial institutions to apply pressure on the Bangladeshi government on various fronts, including issues like good governance, human rights, and electoral laws. Additionally, the U.S. aims to engage civil society in election oversight, encourage the participation of key political parties like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and even contemplate the possibility of an unelected government should its objectives not be met. Building international consensus and neutralizing India’s influence are also part of this multifaceted approach. Despite this pressure, it remains clear that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is resolute in safeguarding the security and democratic aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.
