Fair elections can’t take place in an environment of political violence : John Kirby

Staff Reporter :
US National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications Rear Admiral John Kirby said that free and fair elections in Bangladesh cannot take place in an environment where there is political violence.
He also said that the US government supports the prosperity of Bangladesh, but it has to be built on stronger democratic institutions.
He came up with the statement in a press briefing in Washington DC on Wednesday, said a press release published on the US State Department website.
“We support an inclusive, democratic Bangladesh in which all Bangladeshis can thrive, a prosperous future which will also be built on stronger democratic institutions and participation of all Bangladeshis in elections and governance of their country,” he said in reply to a query of a journalist.
Regarding the free and fair election, he said, “Free and fair elections are everyone’s responsibility. It includes voters, political parties, youth wings and police. Free and fair elections cannot take place in an environment where there’s political violence.”
He further said that the US has been arguing for a genuine and credible election in Bangladesh.
Asked about India’s role in the elections of Bangladesh, John Kirby did not answer the question, rather said, “I certainly can’t speak for India. We would not presume to do that. I can only speak for the United States and we absolutely look forward to deepening our engagement with Bangladesh.”
Highlighting the US-Bangladesh engagement, he said, “Our cooperation on climate change, development, economy, humanitarian assistance, security, and all that shows the full range of our strong partnership and the future potential of that partnership.”