Key Highlights:
- Foreign Minister Momen’s emphasis on internal commitment to fair elections
- The alignment of the govt’s goals with US advocacy for transparent polls
- Historical recognition and growth in US-Bangladesh diplomatic relations
As Bangladesh gears up for the 12th National Election, foreign minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen clarified that the government was driven by its internal commitment rather than external pressure regarding the upcoming general election.
Stressing the importance of a fair and unbiased election process, he expressed the government’s desire for widespread voter participation and the importance of the people’s verdict. This assertion coincided with ongoing US advocacy for transparent polls in Bangladesh, including recent visa policy changes related to the elections.
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Dr. Momen attributed the US position regarding the opposition BNP to its stance against violence, suggesting a perceived absence of democratic values within the BNP. Affirming the Awami League’s dedication to democratic principles, he highlighted their alignment with the US on democratic beliefs, indicating a shared perspective on democratic values.
“We are committed to a free and fair election. We believe in people. We want people’s verdict. We want people to go to polling centres to cast their votes in big numbers. These are our challenges,” he said.
As Bangladesh prepares for the upcoming elections, the government’s assurance of prioritizing the people’s voice underscores the significance of fair and transparent democratic practices, ensuring a credible electoral outcome that resonates with the country’s aspirations for a just and participatory democracy.
EC’s Standpoint over 12th National Election
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen expressed the government’s unwavering dedication to ensuring a transparent and equitable election. He reiterated their faith in the populace, emphasizing the importance of the people’s judgment and encouraging a substantial voter turnout at polling stations, framing these aspirations as their primary objectives.
In this context, the Election Commission is striving to organize an impartial and transparent election in Bangladesh. As preparations for the 12th parliamentary election in January continue, lingering political and administrative matters await resolution.
The Election Commission has undertaken numerous measures, such as constituency redrawing, the registration of new political entities, voters’ list updates, and electoral law revisions.
Additionally, they’ve endorsed both local and international observers to oversee the forthcoming polls. The EC staunchly advocates for a free and fair 12th National election, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to ensuring fairness throughout the electoral process.
Global Stakeholders Engaged in Bangladesh’s Domestic Political Landscape
Over the last couple of years, international entities, including the United States, the European Union, and predominantly Western governments, have become increasingly involved in Bangladesh’s intricate internal politics. While maintaining political impartiality, they have advocated for enhancements in Bangladesh’s democratic mechanisms. The opposition has welcomed this external influence: the BNP has consistently lauded U.S. policies promoting democracy, with one BNP leader even dubbing the U.S. ambassador as the party’s rescuer. Additionally, the BNP has referenced the European Union’s decision to forego extensive election monitoring as validation for its own election boycott.
US-Bangladesh Bilateral Ties
The foreign minister a couple days ago said they are looking forward to building a better and stronger relationship with the US.
Momen said the US did not see a democratic mindset from BNP. “The US believes in democracy. We also believe in democracy. We have no mental distance from the US.”
The bilateral relationship between the United States and Bangladesh has witnessed significant growth and development over the years. On April 4, 1972, the formal recognition of Bangladesh’s sovereignty by the United States, announced by then Secretary of State William Rogers, marked a pivotal moment in their diplomatic ties. Since establishing official diplomatic relations, the United States has emerged as a vital partner for trade and development in Bangladesh.
During a recent press briefing, Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen spoke positively about the bond between Dhaka and Washington, describing it as “sweet.” Stressing the cordial nature of this relationship, he assured reporters that there are no tensions affecting the bilateral ties between the two nations. Speaking from the foreign ministry on December 12th, Dr. Momen succinctly stated, “We have a very sweet relation with the US. They are our friends.” His statement reflects the positive and harmonious nature that currently defines the relationship between Bangladesh and the United States.
Dr. Momen’s remarks serve as a reminder of the significance of nurturing amicable relations on the global platform. They highlight the mutual understanding and camaraderie that underpin the bond between these two countries, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and fostering positive diplomatic relationships as the world’s diplomatic landscape continues to evolve.
Recent Stumbles
Emphasizing the amicable rapport between the US and Bangladesh, Momen addressed the ongoing surge of elections across the country, stressing the significance of inclusive electoral processes.
He emphasized Bangladesh’s appreciation for input from allied nations such as the US, acknowledging and embracing suggestions that serve the nation’s best interests.
On the eve of the 12th National elections of Bangladesh, the US ambassador to Bangladesh violated multiple established diplomatic norms as well as violating article 41 of the Vienna Convention. The United States repeated attempts at meddling in the internal affairs of Bangladesh has frustrated not only the Bangladeshi government and civil society.
Recent US actions and the statement by the Bangladeshi foreign minister, however, indicate a re-warming of relations, or the fact that it never went that cold in the first place. The United States did not impose any sanctions on Bangladesh or any Bangladeshi individual or entity, as BNP-Jamaat had hoped. This inaction by the US was, in all likelihood, prompted by the realization that the upcoming elections were, as the Bangladeshi government claimed, indeed free and fair.
