Staff Reporter :
The United Nations clarified that extending congratulations to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her re-election was a standard procedure, consistent with the organisation’s practice for other governments following elections.
However, it underscored that its stance on the twelfth parliamentary election remained unaltered and expressed agreement with the unchanged statements made by the UN Human Rights High Commissioner.
During a regular briefing at the United Nations on Monday, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, responded to a journalist’s question, making these remarks.
The journalist asked – Did the Secretary-General disregard human rights violation and sham elections in Bangladesh when congratulating Sheikh Hasina for renewing State power? Does this raise concerns about a contradiction with the UN’s previous stance and the statements from its Human Rights Commissioner on the non-democratic nature of the elections?
“No. He sent a letter to the Prime Minister as he does to Head of Governments or Head of States when they’re re-elected. What we have said in the past from this podium, what the Human Rights High Commissioner has said remains unchanged,” Stephane said.
On 18 January, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres congratulated Sheikh Hasina on her re-election as the prime minister of Bangladesh.
“The United Nations remains committed to working with your government, including through the United Nations Country Team, for the benefit of the people of Bangladesh,” the UN chief also said in a congratulatory letter addressed to PM Hasina.
On the other hand, since the beginning of the election, the United Nations has reiterated its hope for “free, fair and credible elections” in Bangladesh.
Soon after the January 7 election, UN Rights Chief Volker Turk in a statement said, “In the months leading up to the vote, thousands of opposition supporters have been detained arbitrarily or subjected to intimidation. Such tactics are not conducive to a truly genuine process.”
“I implore the government to take the necessary steps to ensure that the human rights of all Bangladeshis are fully taken into account, and to strengthen the underpinnings of a truly inclusive democracy in the country,” he said.
Law enforcement officials are reported to have employed tactics such as mass arrests, threats, enforced disappearances, blackmailing, and surveillance in the period leading up to the election.
The main opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party, boycotted the ballot. Instances of political violence, including arson attacks allegedly carried out by opposition groups, have also been documented.
Since October 28, approximately 25,000 opposition supporters, including key party leaders, have been apprehended. Over the last two months, at least 10 opposition supporters have reportedly died while in custody, prompting serious concerns regarding potential instances of torture or harsh conditions of detention, according to the UN Human Rights Chief.
Turk said. “Violations and irregularities during the campaign and on election day itself should also be thoroughly and effectively investigated.”
“Democracy was hard won in Bangladesh and must not become cosmetic,” said the UN High Commissioner. “Bangladesh has been a role model of development, and I fervently hope this will translate into the political and institutional spheres too. The future of all Bangladeshis is at stake.”
Meanwhile, The United States is committed to deepening its partnership with Bangladesh in the days to come.
“There are a number of steps that we have and will continue to take when it comes to deepening our partnership with Bangladesh,” said Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel during a regular briefing at the US Department of State in Washington on January 22.
“You’ve heard me say it here before that last year was the anniversary of our diplomatic relations with Bangladesh, and there continue to be a number of areas – specifically in addressing climate cooperation, security cooperation – where we believe that there is opportunity,” he said.
“We have the opportunity to also engage with non-government actors as well, which we believe is also key and critical to deepening this relationship,” he underscored.
Following the formation of the new government, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas held discussions with Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud, exploring avenues for collaborative efforts between the two countries on mutual concerns.
The topics of focus included climate change, business prospects, and the Rohingya crisis.
