US stance on BD polls issue unchanged: John Kirby
Staff Reporter :
National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby reiterated the United States’ unwavering commitment to supporting the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people for democratic governance.
“Nothing has changed in our desires to see that the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people are met, and that includes being able to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections,” he said during a press briefing in the White House on Tuesday.
He further said that the US government always believes in the democratic institutions all over the world including Bangladesh.
“We obviously still believe in the importance of viable, vibrant democratic institutions all over the world,” he underpinned.
Kirby make the comments in reply to questions from a journalist who said that the recently concluded one-sided election in Bangladesh has drawn global criticism, with The Guardian describing it as “overshadowed by a ruthless crackdown on opposition.”
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Before the parliamentary election, the US administration said that they do not support any political party rather they want to see the people’s aspirations for a free and fair election where people will exercise their franchise without fear and intimidation.
The reaffirmation of the US stance comes at a crucial time in Bangladesh, as the nation gears up for the formation of the new parliament where the Awami League would lead the government for its brute majority of bagging 222 seats during the 12th parliamentary election.
The US State Department’s message underscores the international community’s keen interest in upholding democratic principles and ensuring that the electoral process in Bangladesh remains inclusive and reflective of the will of the people.
The US has always been expressing hope that Bangladesh would continue on its path toward democratic consolidation, emphasising the need for open dialogue, respect for human rights, and the rule of law.
The US government remains committed to working collaboratively with Bangladesh to promote stability, prosperity, and democratic governance as it has always been reflected in the words and deeds.
Though a dozens of countries like China, India and Russia have lauded the government for the landslide victory, but the United Nations, European Union, US, United Kingdom, Australia have not endorsed the election free and fair rather they have expressed concerns over the irregularities and violence in the election and mass arrest of the opposition.
Following the January 7 election, boycotted by the opposition BNP, Washington expressed concerns, stating that the polls lacked fairness. Despite this criticism, the US emphasised its commitment to supporting Bangladesh in areas such as democracy, human rights, economic relations, and fostering stronger ties within the broader Indo-Pacific vision.
