The United States has reiterated its desire to see a free and fair election in Bangladesh, noting that the world will be observing Bangladesh’s next national election. “Of course, we’re looking – the world is looking – to Bangladesh for its next election, to make sure that they set a strong example of free and fair election for the region and for the world,” US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken said during his meeting with Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen in Washington on Monday afternoon (US time). Appreciating Bangladesh’s engagement with the USA, Blinken said they are committed to working together to find ways to further “strengthen and deepen” the robust relationship, and to address economic development and human rights as well. He said the US deeply appreciates Bangladesh’s remarkable generosity in hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas in the country and assured to continue work towards repatriation of the Rohingyas. The Secretary of State highlighted the nearly $2.1 billion in US humanitarian assistance since 2017, which includes $23.8 million in new assistance to the World Food Programme to deliver urgent food and nutrition services to Rohingya refugees. He reiterated US’ commitment to promoting inclusive economic growth, free and fair elections, human and labor rights, and freedom of expression in Bangladesh. Additionally, Secretary Blinken expressed concerns about violence against and intimidation of the media and civil society, including under the Digital Security Act, said Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel. He underscored that free and fair elections and respect for human rights in Bangladesh are critical as they seek to deepen our bilateral relationship. While briefing the media after the meeting, Momen said Bangladesh, like the US, also wants a free, fair and ideal election. “Democracy is in our blood. People gave blood to uphold democracy, justice and human dignity,” he said, seeking help from the US for a free and fair election. Momen highlighted the independent Election Commission and measures taken for holding the election transparently. The foreign minister agreed with his US counterpart on the importance of a free and fair elections and reaffirmed the commitment of Bangladesh government in this regard. He said Bangladesh welcomes US observers but not any “partisan observers”. “All opposition parties must come forward to help in holding a free and fair election. We are creating an environment for a free fair election.” Momen said he handed over a letter from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina — addressed to US President Joe Biden — to Secretary Blinken. “We are proud of the partnership,” he said, adding that he is in Washington to strengthen and solidify the relationship. Momen said Bangladesh wants to improve its ties with the United States towards a stronger trade relationship in the next 50 years. “Bangladesh has a multifaceted, dynamic and wide ranging relationship with the US. Over the last 50 years we have done very well. We look forward to the next 50 years,” he said. “We achieved all with your support and active partnership and we are proud of your partnership and we look beyond, so that we can have better days in future. I am here to strengthen and solidify our relationship,” Momen added. Bangladesh raised the issue of Rashed Chowdhury, a convicted killer of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who lives freely in the United States. Momen hoped that the US will not be a shelter for killers and will hand over Rashed to Bangladesh as it wants to establish the rule of law in the country. Blinken said the relationship between Bangladesh and the United States has grown tremendously over the last 50 years, particularly in the economic aspect. He also mentioned people-to-people ties and said the two countries have been doing more together recently — from climate change to health. Foreign Minister Momen called upon the United States to take advantage of the generous investment regime of Bangladesh and encourage the US private sector to invest in special economic zones and hi-tech parks in Bangladesh. Momen thanked the US government for their generous support in combating COVID-19 pandemic and continued humanitarian support for the Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh. He stressed the need for sustained international pressure on Myanmar for creating environment for voluntary repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar. Bangladesh and the United States have expressed their eagerness to further bolster bilateral ties for the next 50 years, building on the solid foundation of the past 50 years. Terming Bangladesh-US relationship wide-ranging, dynamic and multifaceted,  Momen hoped to develop, strengthen and solidify the ties. He thanked President Joe Biden for his warm message to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the occasion of the Independence Day of Bangladesh, which the US President ended with “Joy Bangla”. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed various bilateral and other issues of mutual interest, including strengthening and diversifying economic partnership, addressing Rohingya crisis and climate change, labour rights, civil liberty, and elections. Apprising the US secretary of state of the ongoing and completed works in labour sector reforms in Bangladesh, the foreign minister hoped that these efforts would be duly acknowledged and appreciated through stronger economic partnership between the two countries.  Blinken lauded the ongoing US-Bangladesh consultative process in improving labour situation in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Muhammad Imran, Deputy Head of Mission Ferdousi Shahriar, Director General (North America) Khandker Masudul Alam, and officials of the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present at the meeting. Counselor Derek Chollet, Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration Ms. Julieta Valls Noyes, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Ms. Kara McDonald, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Afreen Akhter accompanied Secretary Blinken in the meeting.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said no one should raise any concern about the election being free and fair under the AL government following the recent by-elections in six parliamentary seats  and Rangpur City Corporation. “These have proved that fair elections are held during the Awami League period,” she said. The prime minister said this while participating in the discussion on the thanksgiving motion on President's speech in parliament.  She said that six by-elections were held just a few days ago where Jatiya Party won in one seat. She mentioned that in another seat, the BNP MP who resigned from the parliament returned as an independent candidate. “Moreover, we left one to Rashed Khan Menon’s party where the Jatiya Party candidate won. Another was given to Hasanul Haque Inu’s party and it won in Bogra,” she said. She said that AL candidate won only in Bogra and Chapainawabganj. “No one could complain about Rangpur mayor election.  But Jatiya Party won that election, Awami League lost.” Therefore, she said, “we have been able to prove that the election has been fair, free and impartial during the Awami League government.” “I hope no one gets a chance to raise anything about the election after this (by-elections and mayor election).” She mentioned that AL always has fought for people's right to vote.   “I think it is our responsibility to ensure the right to vote.” PM Hasina said that the government has built the Padma Bridge with its own funding, which was a challenging job.   “This one decision has changed the image of Bangladesh internationally. Those who earlier thought that Bangladesh will never be able to stand up proved wrong.  Those who seized power after 1975 tragedy (assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman) had wanted that,” she said. Hasina said that the international status of Bangladesh has increased as the country has proved that it can. She said that digital services are being launched in all areas and now the documents of land can be taken at home while any bill can be paid from home. She said that the government is working for the overall development of the people of the country. The premier recalled the election during Ziaur Rahman's tenure.   The people had seen how the presidential election of 1981 was rigged, she said. She also said that during his time General Ershad (founder of Jatiya Patty) changed the election results by withholding the counting for 48 hours.   She recalled that no party could form the government in the 1991 elections on its own and so BNP joined hands with Jamaat to form the government.  And they held a election without participation of voters on February 15, 1996. People don't let go if votes are stolen.  Khaleda Zia had to resign on March 30.” The PM said that there was a conspiracy in 2001 regarding the sale of country’s gas. She said that Bangladesh is sending medical teams, medicines, dry food to help the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.      

An appeal has been made to the authorities concerned for tracing the missing independent candidate of Brahmanbaria-2 by-polls Abu Asif Ahmed and ensuring a level playing field for a free and fair election. Asif Ahmed’s wife Meherun Nisa Meherin submitted the written letter to the Deputy Commissioner of Brahmanbaria and the returning officer of the by-election on Tuesday noon.The election will be held on Wednesday (Feb 1). Copies of this letter have been given to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Brahmanbaria Superintendent of Police, Ashuganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Officer-in-charge of Ashuganj police station and the local press club. She said that the letter has also been emailed to the departments concerned. Read more: B’baria-2 by-polls: 3 independent candidates withdraw, clearing the way for ex-BNP leader Abdus Sattar Brahmanbaria Deputy Commissioner and by-election returning officer Md Shahgir Alam also acknowledged receiving the letter. Asif went missing on January 27. He is the former president of Ashuganj Upazila unit BNP and the former chairman of Upazila Parishad. In the Brahmanbaria-2 by-poll, he is the main opponent of the expelled leader of BNP and five-time Member of Parliament, Abdus Sattar Bhuiyan. Meherin said in the letter that there is no level playing field even for campaigning for the election. They are also facing threats in appointing polling agents for the voting. “Propaganda is being spread that a specific candidate will win the election anyway. We do not think that there will be a fair election in this situation. We believe that despite all this, if there is a fair and impartial vote, my husband Abu Asif Ahmed will win with a huge margin.” “When news in this regard was published in the media, we came to know that the Election Commission ordered an investigation to find my husband,” she added. She also mentioned in the letter that polling centres in Kuttapara East, Kuttapara West, Syedtula Garer Par, Habistula, Sarail Annada Government High School and Uchalia Government Primary School of Sarail Upazila are very risky. Meanwhile, Shafayat Suman, the brother-in-law of Abu Asif, the chief coordinator of the election campaign, who has been missing since January 25, returned home on January 30. On January 25, Asif's election campaign chief Musa Mia, 80, was picked up by the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police. Later, the police arrested him in a case of a settled village feud and sent him to jail. Read more: Now Ashuganj BNP declares Abdus Sattar persona non grata On January 14, three independent candidates in the by-polls to Brahmanbaria-2 withdrew their candidacy. They are joint secretary of Brahmanbaria district AL and general secretary of district Sports Association Mahbubul Bari Chowdhury Montu, former joint secretary of Brahmanbaria district AL Md Moin Uddin Moin, and former leader of Chhatra League Shahjahan Alam Saju. Later, three other candidates--Jatiya Party's Abdul Hamid Bhasani, Zaker Party's Jahirul Islam Jewel, independently running JP rebel Ziaul Haque Mridha—also withdrew their candidacy. On January 1, BNP expelled Abdus Sattar Bhuiyan from all posts for "violating party decisions and engaging in anti-party activities". Sattar resigned from all his posts within the party, including the Chairperson's Advisory Council, on December 31 last year. By-polls to five parliamentary seats will be held on February 1. More Elections on Wednesday The EC will also conduct by-polls to Thakurgaon-3, Bogura-4, Bogura-6, Chapainawabganj-2 on Wednesday. On December 11 last year, five out of seven BNP Members of Parliament (MPs) submitted their resignation to Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, as part of their anti-government movement with a 10-point demand that included dissolution of Parliament. Md. Harunur Rashid of Chapainawabganj-3 and the MP of Brahmanbaria-2 Abdus Sattar Bhuiyan could not submit resignation to the Speaker in person. The MPs sent their resignation through an email on December 10.

The government's willingness and overall cooperation are needed to hold a successful and fair election, said Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal on Thursday. “Without the govt’s sincere will and cooperation, it may not be possible to make the election successful to the desired extent,” he said in response to a question from reporters at the Nirbachan Bhaban. Besides, it will not be possible to hold the election in a fair and credible manner with the help of police and army only if the political parties themselves do not maintain a balance, he added. If there is no consensus among the political parties, the Election Commission will not be able to hold a fair election, said the CEC. Read more: CEC appreciates environment of local govt polls “Understanding among political parties , their cooperation and a conducive environment need to be created for holding a fair election,” he said. Regarding the dialogue among the political parties, he said no decision has been taken yet on another round of dialogue, but more dialogue needs to be held. The CEC said, “In our existing system, the government is not the Awami League. Government has a different entity.” “If there is no cooperation from the ministries, departments of the government, then it may not be possible to make the election successful. And so the political leaders are saying that dialogue is very crucial. We see there is no dialogue between the political parties. We think this is very necessary.” He said he wants to convey this message to the political leaders through the media. “I do not believe that a fair election will be possible by showing off power on the streets,” Awal said, referring to the political leaders who are saying that there will be a test of strength on the streets. Read more: Law to decide Khaleda’s participation in next national polls: CEC He urged them to participate in the election and compete maintaining the rules and regulations in the election field. Democratic election is not possible without ‘effective competition, the CEC said adding, “Because we cannot create a balance with the police, it will be created only through healthy competition among political parties.”

U.S. Ambassador Peter Haas has sought to assure his hosts that even as it openly engages with various actors in the build up to the next parliamentary elections, it is only the process to deliver a free and fair election that they are interested in – not who wins or loses. Haas said this while addressing a meeting to exchange views with members of the Editors’ Council, at a city hotel on Tuesday. The editors engaged with the ambassador about the challenges faced by free and independent media in Bangladesh, not only due to stringent laws such as the Digital Security Act, but also in light of media ownership and how that affects the work of journalists. The meeting was moderated by the council’s president, Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star. Haas stressed that his country does not favour any one party in Bangladesh over the other, and urged all entities to play their proper role in ensuring free and fair elections. The ambassador however pointed out that even with all its faults, within the USA there is constant pressure and debate to be transparent regarding violations of rights, in one word accountability, and institutions in place to work on them. Addressing the economic crisis faced by Bangladesh due to the Russia-Ukraine crisis, Haas stated that no country is better off today than they were before Russia invaded Ukraine, but some countries are impacted more. He also talked about transforming the foreign aid/ODA slant of the relationship between Dhaka and Washington to bring it in line with Bangladesh’s graduation to a middle income country. Read more: US Official: Free, fair elections “must include a level playing field for all” The ambassador said that the US International Development Finance Corporation provides private sector investment in infrastructure, innovation and women’s economic empowerment, but it is governed by some of the same principles as the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), from which Bangladesh was excluded in 2013.  While Bangladesh has made great strides in worker safety since the Rana Plaza incident, the overall labour rights situation continues to be an ‘impediment’ to gaining, or regaining access to these privileges, Haas explained.  He also appreciated Bangladesh’s role in opening its doors to the Rohingya refugees who fled Myanmar, even in the absence of any expectation that they could be repatriated in the foreseeable future.   The ambassador was candid in conveying that the US cannot force the Myanmar junta to take the community back with no risk to their lives, even though they need repatriation. “We need to make sure that they are not in despair, with no hope,” he said.  Read more: Holding fair polls requires equal role from all sides: Ambassador Haas Besides the moderator, the meeting was also attended by Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, Daily Manabzamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Ajker Patrika Editor Golam Rahman, Bhorer Kagoj Editor Shyamal Dutta, Daily Ittefaq Editor Tasmima Hossain, Inqilab Editor AMM Bahauddin, Daily Samakal Acting Editor Mozammel Hossain, Bonik Barta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud, Financial Express Editor Shamsul Huq Zahid, Desh Rupantor Acting Editor Mustafa Mamun and Dhaka Tribune Associate Editor Abu Sayeed Asiful Islam.

Law Minister Anisul Huq on Tuesday said the government will provide all necessary support to the Election Commission (EC) in holding a free and fair election. “I have clearly said that the Bangladesh government enacted a law for the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners. The responsibility of the Election Commission is to conduct fair elections and the government will provide all necessary assistance,” he said.  Read more: BNP MPs ready to resign; Govt must go for credible election: Fakhrul The minister said this replying to questions from journalists after a meeting with Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Lilly Nicholls. The envoy paid a call on the minister at the Secretariat today. The Hasina-led government is committed to holding fair elections, Anisul added. It is up to EC whether it will allow observers in national poll The law minister said he told the Canadian envoy that it is up to the EC whether it will allow observers in the next national election. During the visit, Nicholls wanted to know whether they can send observers to oversee the next election, They also discussed the Digital Security Act and the Data Protection Act. “They did not say anything about the Digital Security Act. I informed them about it as this issue is being widely discussed,” said the minister. Read more: Govt won’t send Khaleda back to jail before election: Law Minister Regarding the proposed Data Protection Act, the minister said already a meeting was held with the stakeholders. There will be two to three more meetings. “It will not be for data control, it will be for protection.” During the visit they discussed 50 years of friendship between the two nations, areas of mutual cooperation, importance of freedom of expression in democratic societies.

Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal on Sunday said the Election Commission wants to remain above criticism by holding a free, fair and credible election as the last two national polls were tainted by controversies. “Though there were criticisms and debates over many elections in the past, the 2014 and 2018 elections drew excessive criticism and debates in the political sphere. We want to stay above criticism and controversy by conducting free and acceptable elections without bias,” he said. The CEC came up with the remark at the EC’s talks with the governing Bangladesh Awami League at the Nirbachan Bhaban in the city’s Agargaon area. Also read: CEC calls for changes in the country’s electoral system An AL delegation, led by its general secretary Obaidul Quader, joined the talks as part of the EC’s dialogues with registered political parties, arranged to seek their opinions over the 12th parliamentary elections slated to be held next year. The CEC said it is the constitutional and statutory responsibility of the Election Commission to hold free and neutral elections. Similarly, it is the constitutional and statutory duty of the government to assist the EC,” he said. "We’ll continue our sincere efforts to make elections free and acceptable,” he said. Describing Awami League as the oldest party and one of the biggest political parties in the country, he said, “We’ve also higher expectations from the big party.” Awal said AL has been in power for three terms in a row. So, the common people call AL as a ruling party or power party. But there is no mention of government party or ruling party in the constitution. “If I am not wrong, Awami League is a political party like ten other parties,” he said. The Election Commission will perform its responsibility to hold the 12th national election in free, neutral and participatory manners and ensure the exercise of voting rights as per the laws and regulations remaining obliged to the Constitution, he said. Also read: CEC calls for all-party participation in next national election “We hope that everyone will cooperate with the Commission and wish success for the parties in maintaining their responsible behaviors over the national election,” he added. Citing that the Election Commission received views from the political parties both for and against the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) during the EC’s talks, the CEC said, “Most of the parties do not believe in EVMs…. We can't gain the confidence of many people after talking. We will make decisions independently. But there is no consensus.” Talking about the proposals received from other political parties in the dialogues, Habibul Awal said some parties favour staggering the national election for several days, instead of on a single day and some parties also asked for the deployment of army in the parliamentary polls. Four other election commissioners and EC secretary also spoke at the talks. AL leaders Amir Hossain Amu, Matia Chowdhury, Kazi Zafarullah, Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, Faruk Khan,  Hasan Mahmud, Shahabuddin Chuppu, Abdus Sobhan Golap, Barrister Biplab Barua,  Salim Mahmud, Shamsunnahar Chapa and Sayeem Khan were the other delegation members. With the talks with AL, the EC has apparently wrapped up its dialogues with the political parties. Among 39 registered political parties, 28 participated in the EC’s talks, while nine abstained and the remaining two parties sought time to sit with the Commission.

Election Commission Secretary Md Alamgir on Monday said the first phase municipal election was held successfully.