The United States has reiterated that it favours no political party in Bangladesh and supports Bangladesh’s goal of holding a free, fair, and peaceful election.
“We’ve always emphasised the importance of the United States and Bangladesh working together to achieve Bangladesh’s goal of free and fair elections,” Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel told a regular briefing responding to a question on July 26.
“It’s an important aspect of our bilateral relationship. And we believe that free and fair elections are a shared priority, and many Bangladeshi Government officials, including the prime minister, have themselves said that it is their goal,” he said.
Bangladesh is scheduled to go to polls either later this year or early next year. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose party Awami League is seeking a fourth consecutive term in office, has promised to ensure fair elections.
But the BNP, led by her bitter political rival Khaleda Zia, has been pressing for restoration of the caretaker government system, which was annulled through the 15th constitutional amendment in 2011. Restoration of the system will require another amendment.
Meanwhile, the US announced ‘visa restrictions’ in May for, what it called, to help organise a free, fair and violence free election.
