'Not Free Or Fair': US On Bangladesh Elections As India Hails Sheikh Hasina's Victory

The United States on Monday (8 January) said that the elections in Bangladesh, which led to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina securing a fifth term, were neither free nor fair.

The election process in Bangladesh was marked by a boycott from the opposition and widespread arrests.

"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," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.

"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. We also urge all political parties to reject violence," Miller added.

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The remarks mirror those made by Britain but contradict the stance of regional power India as Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Hasina's victory and the "successful" conduct of the polls, NDTV reported.

Similar to India, the United States has generally maintained a positive working relationship with Hasina, viewing her as supportive of business and aligned in the opposition of Islamist extremism.

However, Washington has not refrained from expressing concerns over human rights issues.

The US State Department expressed its aspiration to continue its collaboration with Bangladesh in promoting their "shared vision".

"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," the statement said.

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