M Mushfiqul Fazal, State Department correspondent
The United States wants what the Bangladeshi people themselves want and that is a free and fair election which is conducted in a peaceful manner, said the US Department of State spokesperson Mathew Miller on Monday.
Miller said that the United States would continue to engage with the government, opposition, civil society, and other stakeholders to urge them to work together for the benefit of Bangladeshis, to ensure free and fair elections conducted in a peaceful manner.
He made the remarks at a briefing at the State Department while responding to a query about Bangladesh government’s move towards another controversial and lopsided election.
Miller said, “We do not take a position in favor of one party or the other. We want what the Bangladeshi people themselves want and that is a free and fair election which is conducted in a peaceful manner.”
About the violence during the protests of ready-made garment workers, which left five workers dead, demanding wage hike, the State Department spokesperson said, “We condemn the recent violence against workers in Bangladesh protesting over the minimum wage, as well as the criminalisation of legitimate worker and trade union activities.”
He said that they were also concerned about the ongoing repression of workers and trade unions.
“Our principle, as we have stated before, is that the government must ensure that workers are able to exercise their rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining without fear of violence, reprisal, or intimidation,” Miller said.
Through their work in Bangladesh and elsewhere in the world, the US State Department spokesperson said they were firmly committed to advancing those fundamental human rights.
Miller said that the US secretary of State outlined how they would get engaged with governments, workers, labor organisations, trade unions, civil society, and the private sector around the world to protect and promote respect for internationally recognised labor rights.
“We will continue to do that in Bangladesh and elsewhere in the world,” he said.
MR/
