The elections in Bangladesh, extending Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, were criticized by both the United States and the United Kingdom, stating they were not deemed credible, free, or fair.
Expressing concern over political violence preceding the election, both countries condemned the situation.
The State Department spokesperson, Mathew Miller, stated from Washington, “The United States shares the perspective of other observers, acknowledging these elections were not conducted freely or fairly.”
He further called for a credible investigation into violence reports and held the government responsible for accountability.
Amidst securing her fifth term as prime minister since 1996, solidifying her status as the longest-serving female head of government, the 76-year-old Hasina also faced scrutiny from the UK, which highlighted the absence of consistent adherence to democratic standards leading up to the election.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office emphasized the importance of credible, open, and fair competition in democratic elections, expressing concern over numerous opposition party member arrests before polling day.
“Democratic elections depend on credible, open, and fair competition. Respect for human rights, rule of law and due process are essential elements of the democratic process. These standards were not consistently met during the election period. We are concerned at the significant number of arrests of opposition party members before polling day,” the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said.
The U.S. statement said it remains “committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to deepening our people-to-people and economic ties.”
Bangladesh is an important partner of the U.S. interest in the Indo-Pacific region along with neighboring India amid growing influence of China.
