NRBC Desk, Jan 19, 2024—The United States continues to express reservations about the recent elections in Bangladesh, emphasizing that they were neither free nor fair. During a press briefing at the US Department of State on Thursday, spokesperson Matthew Miller addressed questions regarding the reported discrepancies in the electoral process and the subsequent imprisonment of thousands of opposition members.

Responding to concerns raised during the briefing about the steps the United States would take in response to the perceived electoral irregularities, Miller acknowledged, "So, we do remain concerned by the arrest of thousands of political opposition members and by the reports of irregularities on election day." He reiterated the US government's shared viewpoint with other international observers, emphasizing that the elections were not conducted in a free and fair manner.

Expressing regret over the non-participation of some political parties and condemning the violence surrounding the electoral process, Miller outlined the United States' stance. "We are now encouraging the Government of Bangladesh to credibly and transparently investigate the reports of violence, to hold perpetrators accountable, and we all urge all parties to reject political violence," he stated.

Despite the concerns and acknowledgment of irregularities, Miller clarified in response to a question about the US recognition of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's fourth consecutive term, "No, no." This reiteration emphasizes that while the US does not consider the elections free and fair, it does not imply a withdrawal of recognition for the current government.

The United States maintains its commitment to encouraging a credible and transparent investigation into reported election-related violence and calls for accountability. This diplomatic approach underscores the importance of upholding democratic principles while engaging with the government of Bangladesh on resolving the identified issues.