US welcomes election announcement
Staff Reporter :
The United States has expressed its support for Bangladesh’s interim government and its recently announced roadmap for the upcoming parliamentary elections, while raising concerns over reports of enforced disappearances in the country over the past two decades.
At a press briefing in Washington DC on Wednesday, Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the US Department of State, welcomed the steps taken by the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, to prepare for elections that allow Bangladeshi citizens to freely choose their representatives.
“We welcome steps that have been taken by this interim government of Bangladesh to prepare for elections that will ultimately allow the Bangladeshi people to choose their own government representatives,” Patel said.
He also underscored the importance of adhering to the rule of law and democratic principles throughout the transitional period.
“We will continue to monitor the process closely, particularly regarding its timing.
We encourage respect for the rule of law and democratic principles during the entire transition,” he added. Patel reiterated the United States’ global stance advocating for free, fair, and peaceful elections.
In his televised Victory Day speech, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced that the next parliamentary elections could be held between late 2025 and the first half of 2026.
The announcement was broadly welcomed by political parties, which had been seeking a clear electoral roadmap.
The US State Department also welcomed this announcement, highlighting the need for a democratic process that reflects the will of the Bangladeshi people.
However, alongside its endorsement of the election preparations, the US raised serious concerns over the issue of enforced disappearances in Bangladesh.
Patel described enforced disappearances as “an egregious human rights violation” that not only devastates victims but also leaves families in prolonged anguish.
His remarks came in response to findings published by The New York Times regarding an inquiry commission’s investigation into enforced disappearances, which alleged the involvement of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“We are deeply troubled by reports that hundreds of Bangladeshis were forcibly disappeared over the past two decades. Enforced disappearance inflicts trauma on victims and creates a state of uncertainty for their families,” Patel stated.
He called for fair and transparent processes to investigate these allegations and to ensure justice for victims and their families.
The United States has previously imposed sanctions on individuals implicated in enforced disappearances in Bangladesh, reaffirming its global commitment to addressing human rights violations.
As Bangladesh’s interim government progresses with investigations into these allegations, the international community is closely monitoring the developments.
The US urged the government to continue its efforts to uphold human rights, ensure justice, and promote democratic values.