The United States under secretary for civilian security, democracy, and human rights Uzra Zeya on Thursday said that the United States, as part of their global human rights policy, supports ‘free, fair and peaceful’ elections.
She said that they wanted to do their part as a longtime partner of Bangladesh to help make this possible.
She said that she heard a ‘strong commitment’ from prime minister Sheikh Hasina and other ministers in support of free, fair and peaceful elections in Bangladesh.
‘A prosperous future depends on strong democratic institutions, and the broad participation of Bangladeshis in elections and the governance of their country,’ she told reporters after her meeting with foreign secretary Masud Bin Momen on Thursday at the State Guest House Padma.
The United States looks forward to continued collaboration supportive to an inclusive and democratic Bangladesh, in which all Bangladeshis can thrive, said the Under Secretary.
Responding to a question, she said that the timetable of the election was something for Bangladesh to decide.
‘We had constructive, productive and engaging discussions. And I would say yesterday, we witnessed large political rallies that were, thankfully, free of serious violence,’ she said.
They discussed the need for free and fair elections, the ability of journalists to report without fear of retaliation or intimidation, collaboration to combat trafficking in persons, and the vital role that civil society plays in democracies advancing respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedoms of expression and association.
The senior US diplomat said that she came to Dhaka in recognition of the importance of their partnership with Bangladesh and to underscore the US desire to deepen that partnership in support of their vision of a free and open Indo Pacific that is more resilient, more connected, more secure and more prosperous.
The US under secretary said that it was ‘maintaining pressure’ on Myanmar’s military regime to end the crisis and create conditions for the eventual voluntary return of Rohingya to their homeland in a manner that is safe, dignified, informed, and sustainable.
