Not free, fair and credible: US, UK
Staff Reporter :
The just held 12th Jatiya Sangsad (parliament) election of Bangladesh has not received endorsements from the United States and the United Kingdom, who assert that it lacked fair competition and failed to fully reflect the opinions of the people, thereby questioning its credibility and fairness.
On the other hand, the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has been closely following the political situation and the recently held election in Bangladesh and called upon all parties to restrain all forms of violence.
The western countries critical statements came a day after the election when the government received accolades from countries like India, China and Russia along with foreign observers, who deemed the election was free and fair.
Over a long period, the US, UK and UN have been stating that they want to see a free, fair, credible, participatory and peaceful election. Now after the election, they articulated their concerns instead of accepting the poll.
“The United States supports the people of Bangladesh and their aspirations for democracy, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression.
The United States notes the Awami League party won a majority of seats in the January 7, 2024 parliamentary elections,” Mathew Miller, Spokesperson of the State Department, said on Monday.
It further said, “The US remains concerned by the arrests of thousands of political opposition members and by reports of irregularities on election day.
The United States shares the view with other observers that these elections were not free or fair and we regret that not all parties participated.”
The US condemns violence that took place during elections and in the months leading up to it.
We encourage the Government of Bangladesh to credibly investigate reports of violence and to hold perpetrators accountable.
We also urge all political parties to reject violence, it further pointed out.
Highlighting the future relationship with Bangladesh, the US also said,” Looking ahead, the United States remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to deepening our people-to-people and economic ties.”
On the other hand, the UK in a statement on Monday said, “Democratic elections depend on credible, open, and fair competition.
Respect for human rights, rule of law and due process is essential elements of the democratic process. These standards were not consistently met during the election period.”
Raising concerns regarding the mass arrest of the opposition political leaders and workers, it said, “We are concerned at the significant number of arrests of opposition party members before polling day.”
“We condemn the acts of intimidation and violence that took place prior to and during the campaign period. Such conduct has no place in political life,” it pointed out.
About the participation of political parties and voters, the UK said, “Not all political parties took part in the elections.
The Bangladeshi people did not therefore have the fullest range of voting options.”
Regarding the bilateral relations, it said, “The United Kingdom and Bangladesh share a deep and historic friendship.
Creating the conditions for a sustainable political settlement and vibrant civil society will enable long-term growth.”
Committing UK’s support to remove the differences among the political parties, it said, “We encourage all political parties to address their differences and find a common way forward in the interests of the people of Bangladesh. We will continue to support this process.”
Regarding the UN’s stance for the Bangladesh election, Florencia Sot Nino, the spokesperson for the Secretary-General said, “We have seen the situation that’s unfolding there. The Secretary-General continues to follow what’s happening.
He notes the opposition’s decision to boycott the elections. I mean, all the allegations of the stifling of dissenting and critical voices and the arrest of opposition leaders.”
“He’s obviously concerned about reports of incidents of violence prior to, and during the elections.
And he calls on all parties to reject all forms of violence and to ensure that human rights and the rule of law are fully respected.
This is essential for the consolidation of democracy and economic prosperity there,” she further said during a briefing on Monday.
The spokesperson was asked that the international observers closely observe the election.
They have expressed complete satisfaction with the transparency and inclusivity of the election.
Bangladesh’s new government looks forward to further, depending on its cooperation with the United Nations in the days to come. Do you have anything about Bangladesh’ new government?
“What we’re really asking is that the government continues to foster an environment of democracy there. Respect and reject all forms of violence, and obviously ensure that human rights are respected there,” she said.
On the other hand, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk on Monday called on Bangladesh’s newly elected government to take steps to renew the country’s commitment to democracy and human rights, voicing distress that the environment for Sunday’s poll was marred by violence and repression of opposition candidates and supporters.
“Democracy was hard won in Bangladesh and must not become cosmetic,” said the High Commissioner.