UN and US reiterate call for free, fair election in Bangladesh
With Bangladesh on the cusp of its upcoming national election, both the United Nations and the United States have reiterated their calls for a democratic and transparent electoral process.
Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, addressed the issue during a regular media briefing in New York, emphasizing the importance of free and fair elections in Bangladesh. He stated, "I think on our viewpoint on Bangladesh and the need for free and fair election, I think we've spoken out very clearly."
In a separate briefing in Washington on November 1, US State Department Spokesperson Mathew Miller echoed this sentiment, underlining the responsibility of all stakeholders for ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. He stated, "I have said a number of times, the holding of free and fair elections is the responsibility of everyone — all political parties, voters, the government, security forces, civil society."
Miller stressed that the United States supports the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people, who seek free and fair elections conducted in a peaceful and democratic manner. This reiteration reaffirms the international community's commitment to the principles of democracy and the rule of law in Bangladesh.
Addressing a specific individual, Mian Zahidul Islam Arefy, who claimed to be an "adviser to US President Joe Biden," Miller made it clear that Arefy's actions did not represent the stance of the United States Government. He declined to comment on Arefy's actions and mentioned that the US embassy had disassociated itself from his claims.
Mian Arefy had previously stated that he was acting based on instructions received at the BNP office, highlighting the complex and evolving political landscape in Bangladesh as it approaches its national elections.
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