Today: 31 May 2025
9 January 2024
2 mins read

US Labels Bangladesh Elections as ‘Not Free and Fair’

The country further supported Bangladesh people and their aspirations for democracy, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression…reports Asian Lite News

The United States shared its view on the Bangladesh general elections held on Sunday, emphasising that these “elections were not free and fair” while expressing concerns over the arrests of thousands of political opposition members.

The US further expressed regret that not all parties participated in the elections.

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has secured her fourth straight term in a controversial election after her Awami League party swept more than half of the parliament seats in an election boycotted by her opponents.

“The United States shares the view with other observers that these elections were not free or fair and we regret that not all parties participated,” the US Department of State said in a statement.

The country further supported Bangladesh people and their aspirations for democracy, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression.

“The United States notes the Awami League party won a majority of seats in the January 7, 2024 parliamentary elections,” the statement said.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina won the re-election for a fifth term in the national election, conducted on Sunday amidst the boycott by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former PM Khaleda Zia, who is currently in jail.

Moreover, the US stated that it is concerned by the arrests of thousands of political opposition members.

“The United States remains concerned by the arrests of thousands of political opposition members and by reports of irregularities on election day,” it said.

It further condemned the violence that was happening during the elections and in the months leading up to it.

It further encouraged the Bangladesh government to investigate reports of violence.

“We encourage the Government of Bangladesh to credibly investigate reports of violence and to hold perpetrators accountable. We also urge all political parties to reject violence,” the statement added.

Furthermore, the US remained committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“Looking ahead, the United States remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to deepening our people-to-people and economic ties,” it added.

Sheikh Hasina’s party Awami League has won a fourth consecutive term in the 12th parliamentary election, marking the second lowest voter turnout since the reinstatement of democracy in 1991, according to the Daily Star.

Notably, the Awami League won in five constituencies amid a boycott by the opposition BNP and 15 other parties.

Following her victory, Hasina further expressed her commitment to serving the people of Bangladesh, emphasising the responsibility she feels towards the citizens who have repeatedly voted for her. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Hasina Highlights India Ties in Post-Election Plans

Previous Story

Imran Set to be Released After Pak SC Confirms Bail

Next Story

Historic Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Nearing Completion

Latest from -Top News

World needs Dubai’s ambition: Morgan

Piers Morgan has hailed Dubai’s transformation as an example of what visionary leadership can achieve. British broadcaster Piers Morgan has praised the extraordinary ambition and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin

Mohammed honours football champions

Ruler of Dubai hails players as role models during palace reception His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, received the

Abu Dhabi sets 2050 energy vision

Abu Dhabi unveils AED400 billion energy roadmap, inked climate finance pact ahead of 2026 UN Water Conference Abu Dhabi has unveiled a sweeping strategic framework to transform its energy and water sector

Gargash: UAE’s pragmatism sets regional example

Anwar Gargash says the UAE stands as a beacon of what is possible when pragmatism and vision come together. As political instability, economic fragmentation and rapid technological change continue to reshape the

US flag returns to Damascus

Billions in energy deals and lifted sanctions mark Syria’s reintegration, as US reopens embassy and declares the war-torn nation “open for business” under new regional partnerships. The United States has reopened its
Go toTop

Don't Miss

IMF projects 6.6% growth for B’desh

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecasted a 6.6 per

Security heightened in US cities amid protests, tensions

Protests around New York have been largely peaceful, but the