In a recent statement, the United States and the United Nations expressed concerns about the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh held on January 7. The US State Department declared that the elections were not free or fair, citing the arrest of thousands of political opposition members and reports of irregularities on election day. The department also regretted the absence of participation from all political parties in the ballot.
Despite the victory of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, the State Department condemned the violence that occurred during the elections and in the preceding months. They urged the government to investigate reports of violence and hold those responsible accountable. The US reiterated its commitment to supporting democracy, freedom of assembly, and freedom of expression in Bangladesh.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk expressed distress over the environment surrounding the elections, marked by violence and repression against opposition candidates and supporters. Türk called on the newly elected government to renew its commitment to democracy and human rights. He criticized the use of tactics such as mass arrests, threats, enforced disappearances, and surveillance in the lead-up to the vote, emphasizing the need for independent investigations into these incidents.
The UN official pointed out that democracy in Bangladesh should not become cosmetic, stressing that the future of all Bangladeshis is at stake. Türk urged the government to take necessary steps to ensure the human rights of all citizens are fully considered and strengthen the foundations of an inclusive democracy.
In response to questions about the elections, the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, expressed concern over reports of violence and the opposition’s decision to boycott the elections. Guterres called on all parties to reject violence and uphold human rights and the rule of law for the consolidation of democracy and economic prosperity in Bangladesh.
The Awami League won 223 seats in the 300-member Parliament during the elections, which were boycotted by the main opposition, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The Bangladesh government had invited foreign observers from various countries and multilateral organizations to monitor the elections.
US says Bangladesh elections not free or fair, UN also voices concern over violence, irregularities
US and UN Express Concerns Over Bangladesh Election: Not Deemed Free or Fair
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