US under secretary wraps up Bangladesh visit stressing need for free, fair polls
Staff Reporter :
Before wrapping up her Dhaka visit, US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, highlighted the significance of working together to achieve free and fair elections in the country and shunning the path of violence.
“Under Secretary Zeya emphasised the importance of working together to achieve Bangladesh’s goal of free and fair elections; the crucial role of civil society, human rights defenders, journalists, and labor activists; accountability for human rights abuses; and the need to continue support for Rohingya refugees,” the US Embassy Dhaka said in a statement on Friday.
Meanwhile, in an interview with UNB news agency, she said, “Well, I think the one message I would underscore is urging all parties to reject violence and to support a genuinely inclusive, peaceful, free and fair democratic process.
Let’s let the people of Bangladesh decide.”
Regarding the caretaker government, she told the interviewer that it was the “internal matters” of Bangladesh.
“We don’t see a role for the United States. And I just want to underscore the final point that we do not take sides between political parties,” she said.
The visit, which took place from July 11-14, saw the Under Secretary engage with senior government officials, civil society members, Rohingya refugees, and representatives from humanitarian organisations.
During her trip, Under Secretary Zeya held warm and productive meetings with key figures, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Law Minister Anisul Huq, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, and Foreign Secretary Masud bin Momen, among others.
These discussions aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and underscored the importance of democratic principles and human rights.
“Bangladesh is a vital partner in our goal to ensure a more free and open Indo-Pacific. Our partnership is anchored by shared democratic principles and respect for human rights,” Under Secretary Zeya said in the statement.
The statement also mentioned her visit to Rohingya refugees, humanitarian partners, and Bangladesh senior government officials in Cox’s Bazar.
Under Secretary Zeya announced more than $74 million in additional U.S. humanitarian assistance to support Burma and Bangladesh response efforts, including nearly $61 million to support Rohingya internally displaced in Burma, Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, and their host communities.
This brings total assistance to more than $2.1 billion since 2017 to help Rohingya and host communities, the statement said.
Under Secretary Zeya also announced a $1 million grant from the State Department to the Freedom Fund and its partners.
This programme will provide reintegration services to more than 500 children who have been exploited by human traffickers.
The United States is dedicated to partnering with the government and civil society to address the scourge of human trafficking, the statement read.
