Shawdesh Desk:

United States National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby has said that nothing has changed about US desires to see that the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people are met.

He made the remark at a media briefing on Wednesday at the White House in Washington DC, while responding to a question on Bangladesh’s January 7 general election. The

The questioner termed the election as one-sided that drew global criticism for crackdown on opposition.

He mentioned that The Guardian characterised the election as overshadowed by a ruthless crackdown on opposition and the Wall Street Journal stated Bangladesh shows the limits of Biden’s democracy promotion in light of US’ earlier commitment to taking all necessary steps to reflect the will of the people of Bangladesh and US’ declaration of visa restriction policy ahead of election.

The questioner wanted to know US response to concern about the Biden administration’s limitations on Democracy promotion.

‘We obviously still believe in the importance of viable vibrant democratic institutions all over the world,’ John Kirby responded.

‘Nothing has changed about our desires to see that the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people are met and that includes being able to conduct free, fair and transparent election,’ he said.

He said that the US noted the Awami League party won a majority of seats in the January 7, 2024 parliamentary elections.

‘The United States remains concerned by the arrests of thousands of political opposition members and by reports of irregularities on elections day,’ said the statement.

It said that the US supported the people of Bangladesh and their aspirations for democracy, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression.

‘The United States condemns violence that took place during elections and in the months leading up to it.  We encourage the Government of Bangladesh to credibly investigate reports of violence and to hold perpetrators accountable,’ Matthew said in the statement.