The United States has expressed its stance that the national elections held on January 7 were not conducted in a manner characterized as “free and fair.” State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated in a recent release that the United States, along with other observers, shares the opinion that these elections did not meet the criteria of being free and fair. Miller acknowledged the majority victory of the Awami League party but raised concerns about the arrests of numerous political opposition members and reported irregularities on election day.
Furthermore, Washington condemned the violence that transpired during the elections and in the months leading up to it. The State Department encouraged the Government of Bangladesh to thoroughly investigate reports of violence and ensure accountability for the perpetrators. They also called upon all political parties to reject violence.
Emphasizing their support for the people of Bangladesh and their aspirations for democracy, peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression, Miller affirmed the United States’ commitment to partnering with Bangladesh. He outlined future collaboration on advancing a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, supporting Bangladesh’s human rights and civil society, and strengthening people-to-people and economic ties. The United States has consistently advocated for free, fair, and peaceful elections, implementing sanctions against the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and its members in December 2021 and announcing a visa policy targeting those undermining democratic processes in Bangladesh.
