US reiterates goal for free, fair polls in Bangladesh: State Dept
"Our goal and intent is for these elections to take place in a free and fair way that respects the will of the people of that country," said Vedant Patel
The United States reiterated its goal for a free and fair election in Bangladesh, Vedant Patel, principal deputy spokesperson of the US State Department, said Thursday (9 November).
"Our goal and intent is for these elections to take place in a free and fair way that respects the will of the people of that country," he said during the US State's regular briefing.
When asked whether or not the US supports an unelected caretaker government, Patel said, "We do not support a particular government or political party or candidate in any country, and that in areas where there are elections ongoing."
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The United States also aims to deepen relationships and partnerships with Bangladesh.
"Last year, we celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations with Bangladesh, and this is a country that we're looking to continue to deepen our relationships and partnerships with in a number of areas including trade, cooperation in the climate space, cooperation in the security space, and otherwise where that potential exists," Patel said during the briefing.
The US has reiterated its call for "free and fair" elections in Bangladesh many times as the country is heading for the next national election in a couple of months.
The topic of "free and fair" elections often comes up during the US State's press briefing and statements from US officials.
"I have said a number of times, the holding of free and fair elections is the responsibility of everyone — all political parties, voters, the government, security forces, civil society," US State Department Spokesperson Mathew Miller told reporters in a briefing in Washington on 1 November.
On 18 September, US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya also reiterated the call of the United States for free, fair, and peaceful parliamentary elections in Bangladesh during her meeting with Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen.
John Kirby, US National Security Council coordinator for Strategic Communications, also said the same during a media briefing at the White House on 6 June.
