U.S. says Bangladesh elections not free or fair; UN also voices concern over violence, irregularities

A day after Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party emerged victorious at the polls, the U.S. and United Nations (UN) voiced concern over violence and reports of irregularities on the day of elections, with Washington noting that the polls were not free or fair and regretted that not all parties participated in the ballot.

A day after Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's party emerged victorious at the polls, the U.S. and United Nations (UN) voiced concern over violence and reports of irregularities on the day of elections, with Washington noting that the polls were not free or fair and regretted that not all parties participated in the ballot.

The U.S. State Department, in a press statement on January 9, said that Washington remains concerned by the arrests of thousands of political Opposition members and by reports of irregularities on elections day in Bangladesh.

“The United States shares the view with other observers that these elections were not free or fair and we regret that not all parties participated,” the State Department said.

While noting that Sheikh Hasina's Awami League won a majority of seats in the January 7 Parliamentary elections, the State Department said that Washington 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. We also urge all political parties to reject violence,” it said.

The State Department added that the U.S. supports the people of Bangladesh and their aspirations for democracy, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression.

“Looking ahead, the United States 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,” it said.