The United States has said it is aware of Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's “deliberate mischaracterization” of US foreign policy and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas’ meetings. “The United States does not support any political party in Bangladesh. Nor does the United States favor one political party over another,” a State Department spokesperson said on Saturday (November 25, 2023). The US State Department reiterated that they want what the Bangladeshi people want: free and fair elections conducted in a peaceful manner. USA will support Bangladesh after election: Momen To support that shared goal of free and fair elections conducted in a peaceful manner, the US embassy personnel engage and will continue to engage with the government, opposition, civil society, and other stakeholders to urge them to work together for the benefit of the Bangladeshi people, said the State Department spokesperson. Maria Zakharova, during a weekly briefing on November 22, said that Russia has spoken repeatedly about the attempts by the United States and its allies to influence the internal political process in Bangladesh, ostensibly under the banner of ensuring “transparency and inclusiveness” in the upcoming parliamentary election. Information has come to light regarding a meeting at the end of October between US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas and a high-ranking representative of the local opposition, according to the Russian side. They reportedly discussed plans to organize mass anti-government protests in the country during the meeting, the Russian side said. In particular, the American Ambassador “promised” the representative of the opposition information support in the event that the authorities use force against participants in “peaceful demonstrations.” These assurances were purportedly made on behalf of the embassies of the United States, Britain, Australia and several other countries, according to a Facebook post shared by the Russian Embassy in Dhaka. China's cooperation is vital in ending Russia-Ukraine war: French FM "How can these actions of the American Ambassador to Bangladesh be regarded? They can be seen as nothing less than gross interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state on the part of Washington and its satellites, demonstrating open disregard for the norms and rules enshrined in the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations," the Russian spokeswoman said. "On our part, we have no doubts regarding the ability of the Bangladeshi authorities to hold the parliamentary election scheduled for January 7, 2024, in full compliance with national legislation, independently, without the help of overseas well-wishers," said the Russian spokeswoman.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Wednesday unveiled the recently renovated Mughal Hammam Khana at the Lalbagh Fort in Old Dhaka.  Inaugurated in March 2021, this two-year initiative, funded through the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), supported the $185,933 (Tk 2 crore) projects for restoration and architectural documentation of the Mughal Hammam Khana, one of three primary structures at the Lalbagh Fort complex dating back to the 17th century. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the “Restoring, Retrofitting, and 3D Architectural Documentation of Historical Mughal-era Hammam Khana at Lalbagh Fort,” Ambassador Haas said promoting cultural diversity, supporting freedom of expression, and preserving cultural heritage around the world are priorities for the United States.  “All of us must work together and protect the richness of our cultural heritage for future generations,” he said. Read more: ‘Our Shared Cultural Heritage’ project connecting youth with heritage The Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) is among the U.S. government’s most significant cultural initiatives abroad.  In the past 20 years, the United States has supported 11 AFCP projects in Bangladesh at a total value of over $576,000 (Tk 6 crore) to preserve and restore its cultural heritage and patrimony.  

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Tuesday said discussion is underway regarding Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed’s planned visit to the United States, noting an “understanding” between the United Nations and the US. “There’s an understanding between the UN and the US. It’s (visit) under discussion following that particular process,” he told reporters, mentioning that a decision will be reached once the process is done.  Benazir is scheduled to attend the third United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS 2022) which will bring together Ministers, Chiefs of Police and senior representatives of regional and professional policing organizations to United Nations Headquarters from August 31 to September 1. Earlier, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas held a meeting with the home minister at the Secretariat. The home minister explained the steps taken by the government to ensure that there is no violation of laws by the law enforcement agencies.       “We informed them that punitive action was taken against some Rab officials after getting allegations,” he said referring to the steps taken following Narayanganj seven-murder case.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Wednesday laid emphasis on collective efforts to hold free and fair elections in Bangladesh, noting that holding fair elections is a complicated task. Sharing the US experience, the envoy said holding free and fair elections is a “complicated task” that requires involvement of every part of the society. “And just to be clear, the United States does not favor any political party in Bangladesh over any other,” he said, adding that the United States is proud of their close partnership with Bangladesh over the past 50 years.  While speaking at the launching ceremony of an e-learning platform titled "Politics Matters" at a city hotel, Haas said the Election Commission, government, media, law enforcement agencies, civil society and political parties – everyone has an important role to play. The envoy said if anyone of them fails to fulfill their responsibility or any one of them prevents another to fulfill their responsibility, free and fair elections become nearly impossible. He said they continue to be a strong supporter of this country’s efforts to improve the quality of life for all its citizens.  The ambassador said a fundamental way to improve the quality of life for citizens is to give them the opportunity to participate in free, fair, and transparent elections held in accordance with international standards.   “What better way is there to allow the people to share their voices on what matters to them than through their ability to freely cast their ballot?” he mentioned. Read:Estimate of Bangladesh money in Swiss Banks is “purely speculative”: Swiss Envoy

The United States has said there was no doubt that there had been “terrible atrocities” and killings in 1971 but the question of determining genocide under the US law is a very difficult legal question.  “Undoubtedly what happened in 1971 was horrible. There were terrible atrocities. There were considerable amounts of deaths. The question of determining genocide under the US law is a very difficult legal question,” said US ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Tuesday. Also read:Bangladesh won’t face Sri Lanka-like crisis: Ambassador Haas He made the remarks at “DCAB Talk” when asked whether the US is in a position to recognize the genocide in Bangladesh in 1971.  The US government recently determined that the Myanmar military committed the crimes against humanity and genocide against humanity against ethnic Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State. Late Edward M. Kennedy in his speech delivered on his first visit to independent Bangladesh in February 1972 said, “You know while some governments do not yet recognise you, the people of the world do recognise you and they recognise all you have accomplished here in the name of freedom from tyranny and oppression.….” Sought updates on Bangladesh’s request for the deportation of Rashed Chowdhury, the self-confessed killer of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, ambassador Haas said basically it is very complicated legal proceeding in the US and it is still under review. He said they are very much aware of Bangladesh’s interest to see a decision made but it currently remains under review. Responding to another question, the US envoy said the United States “makes no excuses” when it comes to the matter of human rights and freedom of the press. Also read:US stands by Bangladesh as a steadfast dev partner: Ambassador Haas “I will go back to a comment that I made earlier that the United States has decided to put human rights, the issues of freedom of the press at the centre of our foreign policy and that we make no excuses about that." Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the DCAB Talk at Jatiya Press Club. DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus moderated the event while its General Secretary AKM Moinuddin delivered the welcome remarks. 

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Tuesday reiterated Washington’s concern over Bangladesh’s Digital Security Act. "The United States has made our concerns about the DSA clear, both in our Annual Human Right Report and in meetings with government officials," the ambassador told an event at EMK Centre here commemorating the World Press Freedom Day 2022. He referred to Reporters Without Borders (RSF) most recent World Press Freedom Index that ranked Bangladesh 162nd out of 180 countries, a drop of ten places from the previous year. Also read: BNP to revoke DSA, all other ‘repressive’ laws if returns to power: Fakhrul The envoy said one reason Bangladesh scored so low is the Digital Security Act, which the report calls “one of the world’s most draconian laws for journalists.”    "We are also concerned about the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission’s draft “Regulation for Digital, Social Media and Over-the-Top Platforms” and the draft “Data Protection Act,” Ambassador Haas said.  "While neither draft has been finalized, we fear they contain provisions which could be used to further intimidate journalists and others eager to express themselves," he mentioned.   The US envoy said the founders of the United States found the idea of press freedom so important that it became the very First Amendment in their Bill of Rights.    "Of course, that does not mean the United States is perfect when it comes to having a free press," he said.  In the same RSF World Press Freedom Index, the United States ranked 42nd out of 180 countries. "Frankly, the United States needs to do better,” he said. The ambassador highlighted five principles including protection of journalists from harassment and violence, noting that journalists play an even more important role in elections.   "I very much hope that these five principles are upheld throughout the election season and beyond,” he said. Four other standards that Haas highlighted relating to the media are protection of editorial independence free from political or economic interference; allowing media to criticize the government, ensure that media is not held liable for the reproduction of untrue statements made by others and claims of defamation are not used to suppress freedom of expression, to stifle public debate, or to silence criticism of the government.  He referred the Atlanta, Georgia-based Carter Center, a well-regarded authority on elections, while sharing election standards used around the world. "We all have an obligation to protect the free press and to allow journalists to seek and report the truth without fear, harassment, or censorship," the ambassador said, adding that a free press is a key ingredient in a legitimate and free democracy.  He said the United States’ policy on the Bangladeshi elections – or anywhere for that matter – is that the people of the country should have the ability to choose their own government through free and fair elections conducted in accordance with international standards.   Terming journalism a noble profession, Ambassador Haas said increasingly, around the world, it is a difficult and dangerous one.   Also read: Govt enacted DSA to prevent cybercrime: Law Minister Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul, US Jefferson Media Fellow and former President of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) delivered the keynote speech.  Matiur Rahman, Editor of the Daily Prothom Alo, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki, Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Lilly Nicholls and British Deputy High Commissioner Javed Patel also spoke at the discussion.  A moment of silence was observed in honor of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was tragically killed in the West Bank.   Bulbul highlighted the challenges of journalism and said doing journalism in Bangladesh is like swimming in a pond full of crocodiles.  Matiur Rahman described his personal experience of long career in journalism and challenges he and his newspaper faced. 

As seen by the global outpouring of support, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas has said they remain committed to the incredible body of journalistic work Shireen Abu Akleh did and to the importance of a free and independent press. “The United States extends our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of renowned Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh,” he wrote as the Embassy of the State of Palestine in Bangladesh opened a condolence book for the Palestinian veteran journalist. Also read:Palestine Embassy in Dhaka opens condolence book for slain journalist Shireen Shireen was murdered by the Israeli occupation forces in Jenin refugee camp north of Palestine while covering their assault and crimes against the Palestinian people there on May 11. The condolence book remained open from May 16 to 18 at the Embassy of Palestine in Dhaka, located in Baridhara. Also read:Bangladesh condemns assassination of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Signing the book of condolences opened at the Embassy of Palestine in Dhaka, Turkish Ambassador in Dhaka Mustafa Osman Turan expressed, on behalf of the Turkish Embassy, deep sorrow at the murder of the brave Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in the Jenin refugee camp on May 11.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has reiterated the government's commitment towards strengthening institutions and noted significant works over the last few years creating scope for free, fair and transparent elections. “We had some difficulties but in the last few years, we’ve done very well,” he said, referring to the establishment of all the institutions which are necessary for “free, fair and transparent” elections. Minister Momen made the remarks while addressing a seminar titled “Bangladesh and the United States Relations: Moving towards Enhanced Cooperation and Partnership” organized by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) at the BIISS auditorium on Sunday. Also read:US won't take sides in election: Amb. Haas US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas attended the event as special guest in which he highlighted three areas ripe for growth in the bilateral relationship - security, human rights and democracy, and economic ties. During his visit to Washington DC recently, the Foreign Minister highlighted the “vibrant democratic practices” that are ongoing in the country. In fact, he said, the recently adopted law on the formation of the Election Commission is a good manifestation of the Government's goodwill and determination to hold a free and fair election. Altogether, Bangladesh says, it remains open to discuss all issues in the good governance and human rights domain. Bangladesh and the US are committed to enhance the relations to a higher plateau in coming years, as was reflected in deliberations during Momen’s visit to Washington DC. US Ambassador Haas has said the US will not take any side in the upcoming elections in Bangladesh and reiterated US commitment across the world to help countries strengthen democracy. “Let me be clear: the United States will not pick a side in the upcoming elections. We simply hope for a democratic process that allows the Bangladeshi people to freely decide who will run their country,” he said. While delivering his speech, Momen said anyone who wants to come and observe the election is welcome. He referred to the last election in his constituency which was observed by former US Ambassador Earl Miller who did not find anything wrong. The Foreign Minister also invited the US Ambassador Haas and his team to observe the coming elections as they are keen to improve any weaknesses or any gap. Momen noted that the US has been an important partner in Bangladesh’s journey towards development. Noting that the Indo-Pacific Strategy is one of the key initiatives in Asia and the Pacific, he hoped that Bangladesh and the USA will work together to make this region a peaceful one and create a conducive environment that will bring benefits for all countries. The seminar was chaired by BIISS Chairman Ambassador Kazi Imtiaz Hossain while its Director General Major General Mohammad Maksudur Rahman delivered the welcome remarks. Prof Ruksana Kibria of Department of International Relations at DU talked on the topic titled “The evolving Bangladesh- US relations” while Brig. General (Retd.) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain, Senior Fellow, South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance, North-South University and former Election Commissioner of Bangladesh, made a presentation on “Bangladesh-US Partnership for Enhanced Security in South Asia”. Ambassador Humayun Kabir, President, Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) talked about “Contemporary Dynamics of Bangladesh-US relations and the Way Forward.” The presentations were followed by the remarks of designated discussant Ambassador Tariq A. Karim, Director, Center for Bay of Bengal Studies, Independent University Bangladesh. Maksudur Rahman said that after the establishment of diplomatic ties on 04 April 1972, Bangladesh-US relations have gradually evolved into a partnership which has multidimensional aspects including trade, energy cooperation, infrastructure development, ICT, human resource development, security cooperation, etc. Also read:Danish Crown Princess Mary to meet PM, visit Rohingya camps Despite growing cooperation, there arose some issues which, according to him, can be resolved through continuous dialogues and discussions. Kazi Imtiaz Hossain said Bangladesh-US relations have come a long way which is based on bilateral cooperation, mutual trust and respect for each other. The solid foundation of diplomatic relations between the two countries gives a glimpse of a prosperous future in coming decades, he said. Hossain acknowledged the support of the US to Bangladesh in managing the Rohingya crisis since 2017 which helped the latter in providing life-saving assistance to over a million Rohingyas. He, however, called for more support from the US in normalizing the situation in Myanmar and thereby creating an environment for safe repatriation of the Rohingyas. Senior officials from different ministries of government, ambassadors and high commissioners, former diplomats, senior military officials, media, academia, representatives from different international organizations and students from different universities participated in the seminar.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas has said the US will not take any side in the upcoming elections in Bangladesh and reiterated US commitment across the world to help countries strengthen democracy. “Let me be clear: the United States will not pick a side in the upcoming elections. We simply hope for a democratic process that allows the Bangladeshi people to freely decide who will run their country,” he said while addressing a seminar on Sunday. Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organized the seminar on “Bangladesh and the United States Relations: Moving towards Enhanced Cooperation and Partnership” at the BIISS auditorium. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen spoke as the chief guest at the event in which the US envoy highlighted three areas ripe for growth in the bilateral relationship - security, human rights and democracy, and economic ties. Ambassador Haas said the two countries can work together to promote democracy and protect human rights and acknowledged that the United States is not perfect. “As the relationship grows, the conversation broadens.” "We have embarked on our own democratic renewal. This journey includes tackling our own issues with police accountability and ensuring all Americans can cast their ballots on election day,” he said, adding that they are inviting countries around the world to make similar commitments to strengthen their democracies. Ambassador Haas said he is pleased Foreign Minister Momen stated that Bangladesh will welcome international observers during the next election. Also read:World Immunization Week: UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador calls for greater investment He also welcomed the Law Minister’s commitment to reform the Digital Security Act to prevent further abuses. “Holding an election consistent with international standards is not just about the day votes are actually cast,” Ambassador Haas mentioned. In effect, he said, the elections have already started. “Truly democratic elections require the space for civic discourse to take place, an environment where journalists can investigate without fear, and the ability for civil society organizations to advocate broadly.”

Newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Tuesday said Bangladesh is an important US partner and the bilateral relationship is "broad and dynamic".  "Our cooperation on economic issues, development, security, and climate change demonstrates the range of our strong partnership and future potential," he said after presenting his credentials to President Abdul Hamid. Beyond the work of government, the United States and Bangladesh are closely linked through our people-to-people ties, he said.  "Together, we have delivered greater prosperity to both our peoples while working to make the Indo-Pacific region more open, more secure, and more prosperous," said the US envoy. Ambassador Haas said this year marks 50 years of friendship between our two countries. Read: New US Ambassador Peter Haas arrives in Dhaka