Visiting international observers today (January 08, 2024) described the just-held 12th National Parliamentary Election in Bangladesh as “free, fair and safe.” “Considering the overall situation, all the observers present here agree that the 12th National Parliamentary Election of Bangladesh was held peacefully and with the participation of the common people. It was free, fair and very safe,” observer Terry L Easley said at a media briefing at Jatiya Press Club. The observer from the US said there was no intimidation of voters by the candidates or parties participating in the election. “This bode well for democracy and voting rights.” “We have heard of some isolated incidents. Like clashes among the supporters of the government's candidates, independent candidates and other parties which is unexpected. But if we review the overall election situation, those incidents are very insignificant,” Easley said. "What we have seen is that the voting process of Bangladesh is similar to many countries in the world," said the leader of international observers team. They said if all the political parties participated in the elections, the atmosphere would have been more beautiful and joyful. Talking to the voters in all the centers they observed, they found that they did not face anyobstacles on their way to vote. They congratulated the Election Commission for conducting the election successfully and efficiently. Jim Bates, former US congressman and an election observer, also spoke, among others. The international observers appreciated participation of women voters. They hoped to make their full report public within two weeks to one month. “I found (it to be a) very peaceful, free and fair election,” Jim Bates told reporters at a separate media briefing Sunday evening. "I’d like to say it’s a free and fair election already," he added. “The thing they keep talking about is low turnout: that’s a misnomer. In some countries, voting goes on till 5/6 pm or even months,” Bates said. He said Bangladesh has the shortest voting time in the world. “So when they say ‘low turnout,’ that’s something to manoeuvre the press,” Bates said. Bates is a former politician who served as a Democratic elected official from San Diego, California. He served four terms in the United States House of Representatives from 1983 to 1991. Chandra Arya , Member of Parliament, Canada and Victor Oh, Senator, Canada also briefed the media separately. The independent election observers from Canada said, "Today the citizens of Bangladesh have exercised their fundamental and valuable right to vote and chose their representatives. Today, in the true spirit of democracy, the people of Bangladesh have determined who get their mandate to take the country forward for the next 5 years." Read more: Election 2024: Former BNP vice chairman Shahjahan Omar wins from Jhalakathi-1 Chandra Arya said they will now wait to see the newly elected representatives of the people who will shoulder the responsibility of governing the country and deliver the commitments made during the course of the election campaign. "We noted that even with the call for boycott, a record number of female candidates and a transgender candidate among the 28 political parties and over 1900 candidates including independents contesting the elections," he said. The observers also noted the efforts of the Bangladesh Election Commission to reach out to voters and specifically to the younger generation to encourage them to participate in the elections. "We confirmed there was a process within the Bangladesh Election Commission to address any complaints from the voters or the political parties or the candidates," Chandra Arya said. "We wish to congratulate the Bangladesh Election Commission on successfully conducting a free and fair elections," he added. "With one of us being an elected Member of Canadian Parliament and having contested and won three times in row, we are personally aware of the complexity of managing an election." The Canadian observers recognized and commended the excellent work of Bangladesh Election Commission in marshaling all the institutions of the state and delivering a "free, fair and successful" election. In a separate briefing, Head of the Russian election monitoring delegation, Andrey Y Shuvot, said they are satisfied with the peaceful elections. These elections are legitimate, he told reporters. Scottish MP Martyn Day in his brief remarks, said the election was fairly smooth, but voter turnout was relatively low. Chief Electoral Officer of Palestine Hisham Kuhali on Sunday said Bangladeshis should be proud of electoral procedures that are in place and expressed satisfaction over the smooth completion of the vote casting. "We noticed quiet and peaceful election. We have not noticed any sign of violence," he told reporters at a media briefing at a Dhaka hotel. Kuhali said the procedures of casting votes were very simple and straightforward. "This is very good by international standards," he said, referring to the time it took to cast a vote. The international observer said people are well informed and well trained who are helping voters to cast their votes. Asked about the voters' turnout, he said, "We are here to judge the voting procedures. You should be proud of your process." Member of Arab Parliament Abdihakim Moalliam described the election as "smooth", conducted in a very efficient way. He appreciated the democratic exercise in Bangladesh, noting that it was a shining example of peace and unity. The foreign observers visited several centres. Around 127 foreign observers are currently in Dhaka to observe the 12th National Parliamentary Election. Read more: Election 2024: China congratulates PM Hasina, says committed to working with her

The United States has reiterated its desire to see a "free and peaceful" election in Bangladesh as the country is heading for the national polls scheduled for January 7, 2024. "We want to see a free and peaceful election in Bangladesh. We want to see the elections carried out peacefully," US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a regular briefing in Washington on November 21. Read: Netherlands to support initiative to address negative gender stereotypes, promote gender equality in Bangladesh  He said that has been the US policy, as he has made clear a number of times. Asked whether the US will condemn the political violence "orchestrated by BNP" in the context of human rights that the US cares about, Miller said, "I think I answered that with my previous answer." Read: France very much aware of specific climate vulnerabilities of Bangladesh: Ambassador Masdupuy  The Election Commission has already announced the next general election schedule for January 7. The main opposition party BNP is yet to take any decision to join the polls, while enthusiasm is seen among supporters of Bangladesh Awami League and likeminded parties who are joining the polls.

The United States has said it will continue to engage with the government, opposition, civil society, other stakeholders to urge them to work together for the benefit of Bangladeshis, to ensure “free and fair” elections conducted in a peaceful manner. “We do not take a position in favor of one party or the other. We want what the Bangladeshi people themselves want: free and fair elections which are conducted in a peaceful matter,” Spokesperson at the US Department of State Mathew Miller told reporters in a regular media briefing in Washington on November 20. Read: No political issues on agenda for foreign secretary's meeting with Indian counterpart: Momen The US State Department spokesperson again mentioned the attempt to draw him into Bangladesh’s internal issues, and reiterated that he is going to continue to refrain from doing so. “So I appreciate the urge – the repeated urge, I should say – to try and draw me into internal Bangladeshi matters, but I am going to continue to refrain from doing so and just state, as I said before, that our goal for the election in Bangladesh is what it has always been: free and fair elections conducted in a peaceful manner,” he added. Miller also said the US Secretary of State outlined how they engage with governments, workers, labor organizations, trade unions, civil society, and the private sector around the world to protect and promote respect for internationally recognized labor rights. Read: US to hold accountable those who threaten, intimidate, attack union leaders, labour rights defenders, labour orgs “We will continue to do that in Bangladesh and elsewhere in the world,” he said. “We condemn the recent violence against workers in Bangladesh protesting over the minimum wage, as well as the criminalization of legitimate worker and trade union activities,” Miller said. He said they are also “concerned” about the ongoing repression of workers and trade unions. “Our principle, as we have stated before, is that 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. Read: It's up to Bangladeshis, their democratic system, says India about polls Through their work in Bangladesh and elsewhere in the world, the US State Department spokesperson said they are firmly committed to advancing those fundamental human rights.

The United States has once again said it supports "free and fair" elections in Bangladesh. "We think the future of the Bangladeshi government should be determined by its people," US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters at a regular media briefing on Monday (November 13, 2023) when a reporter wanted to know why the US government must discuss Bangladesh-related issues with India. Miller said the United States is not taking a side in Bangladesh’s elections. Read: Peter Haas has requested meetings with senior leaders of 3 major parties: US Embassy "We do not support one political party over the other. We support free and fair elections," he added. Miller also said, "I welcome the attempts by various reporters to draw me into internal Bangladeshi political matters, and I’m going to continue to refrain from doing so." On Monday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam reiterated that the next general election in Bangladesh will be held as per the constitution, regardless of “who’s doing what.” He said election is an internal matter of the people of Bangladesh and the election will be held under the constitution and relevant laws. The Election Commission is taking preparations to hold the next national election by January next year and is likely to announce polls schedules soon. Read: Election will be held as per constitution regardless of ‘who’s doing what’: Shahriar Alam Earlier, Law Minister Anisul Huq conveyed to the UN Human Rights Council that opposition party BNP’s demand for holding the next national election under a caretaker government is “completely unconstitutional and illegal.” Mentioning Bangladesh’s independent Election Commission, he said the government is committed to hold the next national election in a “free, fair and peaceful” manner with the participation of people.

The government of Bangladesh will brief diplomats stationed in Dhaka, representatives of UN agencies and international organizations on the current situation in Bangladesh this afternoon (October 30, 2023). Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen will brief the diplomats at state guesthouse Jamuna at 4 pm. Senior Cabinet members and officials of the government will attend the briefing. Read more: EU, its Member States “deeply saddened” to see loss of life, violence in Dhaka

The United States has reiterated that they support everyone’s right to freely exercise their role in a democratic society. "We oppose any restrictions on human rights," US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters during a regular media briefing on July 24. Read: Dhaka Metro Rail a symbol of Japan’s contributions to Bangladesh’s fast development: Nishimura Yasutoshi He said visa restrictions would apply to anyone who undermines the democratic election process in Bangladesh. "Actions that constitute undermining the democratic election process include vote rigging, voter intimidation, the use of violence to prevent people from exercising their rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly, and the use of measures designed to prevent political parties, voters, civil society, or the media from disseminating their views," said the spokesperson. Read: EU Special Representative for Human Rights in Dhaka with ‘wide-ranging’ agenda Responding to another question, he said they do not take a position with respect to any political party in Bangladesh or in other countries. "But we believe that Bangladesh and all countries throughout the world should have free and fair elections," US Department of State Spokesperson Miller said. Read: Transforming Global Food Systems: $400 billion needed per year while doing nothing could cost $12 trillion

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday said there is no reason to impose sanctions afresh on Bangladesh and if that happens it will be very unfortunate. He said he does not have any idea on new sanctions as it depends on individual countries. “We hope (America's) good sense will prevail,” he said, adding that America is passing thousands of sanctions (on other countries)," Dr Momen told reporters at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adding that they (US) will not do these things. It was arranged to brief the media on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Qatar visit that begins on Monday afternoon. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin, among others, was present. It was very strange and surprising and no reference (source) is mentioned, Momen said regarding a media report that claimed that new sanctions are coming. The Daily Kalbela newspaper published the report titled "US Sanctions Coming, Government Remains Ready.” He referred to Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque who also said there is no reason to impose new sanctions. On Sunday night, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly protested and condemned part of a media report terming it "false, baseless" and it was done with an "ulterior motive." The Foreign Minister reiterated that he had never worked as a Chinese firm lobbyist before becoming a minister. Rather, he said, he stayed in the USA and worked there. "This is something very strange (media report)." Referring to the news published in the Daily Kalbela, the MoFA on Sunday night said in a part of the news, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen was defamed. The report mentioned that Dr Momen worked as a lobbyist for a Chinese organization before becoming a minister. "It is completely false and baseless," MoFA said in a media release. Through such lies in the name of AK Abdul Momen, the image of the government has been tarnished along with his defamation, MoFA said. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recently said Bangladesh will not purchase anything from countries that impose sanctions against the country. A journalist wanted to know what actually provoked her to make this comment. In reply Dr Momen said politicians say many things that work as warnings as there are times when they see many issues. “We are a very proud nation with many achievements. We have the capacity to face challenges. We are a victorious nation. I think this is the message (she wanted to convey). We will not step back but we will face the challenges.” The US Embassy issued a “demonstration alert” ahead of the next general election and said the US citizens should practice vigilance and remember that demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.   When FM Momen’s attention was drawn regarding the alert, he said this question should be asked to the US side. “Still there are still 7-8 months before the election. It is very strange. You ask them. Our law and order situation is very good. This is an amazing development we must say. They (law enforcement agencies) have done an excellent job,” Momen said.  The Foreign Minister said no one is getting killed on Bangladesh street and it will be relevant for the US to alert people regarding visits to US malls, schools or bars to remain careful there.  Also Read: PM Hasina: Bangladesh won't buy anything from those who impose sanctions against it

The United States has reiterated that it does not endorse one political party or candidate over another in Bangladesh. "And as we have said, the US supports free and fair elections in Bangladesh as well as around the world, and we do not endorse one political party or candidate over another," Principal Deputy Spokesperson of US Department of State Vedant Patel said in a regular media briefing on May 2. He also said, "Broadly what I will say is that the US doesn’t consider it interference to have honest dialogue with our friends and partners about concerns that we have and shared interests that we have that may or may [not] impact the bilateral relationship, that may – may or may [not] impact regional concerns and regional priorities.” Also Read: US calls upcoming national election an 'internal' affair of Bangladesh Patel said the US embassy in Dhaka acts as an envoy for bilateral relationship with Bangladesh as well as all US embassies around the world do.  "And what I will note – you heard me speak to this yesterday – Bangladesh is a country of great importance to us. It’s a country we are interested in deepening our relationships with," Patel said. In 2022, the two countries celebrated 50 years of bilateral relationship, and they believe that there are a number of issues in which they can continue to deepen cooperation – not just with the Bangladeshi government, with the Bangladeshi people as well, he said. Also Read: Stop targeting truth, truth-tellers: UN Chief on World Press Freedom Day Patel mentioned addressing the threat of climate change, deepening economic ties, and security concerns as it relates to the Indo-Pacific. Responding to a question, Patel said, "That’s our expectation for any country in the world, is that for elections to take place and for them to happen freely, fairly, and as you said, with neutrality as well, and for them to be conducted with neutrality, as I might add."