Report in The Daily Star, Oct 17, 2023
Washington wants dialogue among the political parties for a free, fair and peaceful election in Bangladesh due in January next
year, said Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen yesterday.
Momen’s comment came after a meeting with Afreen Akhter, the US deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of South and Central
Asian Affairs.
“The US government endorsed the recommendations of the NDI and IRI. They also spoke about dialogue bilaterally at various
levels. Whether the dialogue will take place depends on the political parties,” he added.
The issue of dialogue is being widely discussed three months ahead of the elections as the ruling Awami League and main
opposition BNP are at loggerheads over the polls-time administration.
BNP has demanded the resignation of the prime minister and a caretaker administration on the grounds that free and fair
elections are not possible under the current administration as the 2014 and 2018 polls were mired in alleged irregularities.
The ruling Awami League, however, says it is determined to hold the elections under the current administration.
The joint mission of the US-based International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI)
suggested open and substantive dialogue among the political parties after their four-day visit.
The mission also suggested moderating rhetoric, protecting freedom of expression, ensuring an open civic space, commitment to
nonviolence and creating conditions to allow all parties to engage in meaningful political competition.
The primary problem is the lack of constructive engagement among key political actors, and it could lead to increased tensions
and significantly escalate violence.
The US has been intensely speaking of free and fair elections in Bangladesh and is enforcing a visa policy that denies visas to
those who are involved in vote rigging and intimidation. Earlier in 2021, the US also imposed sanctions on RAB and seven of its
current and former officials.
Numerous US officials visited Bangladesh over the last two years.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and other high officials also called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New York and
Washington last month and spoke of elections.
Akhter, who arrived in Dhaka early yesterday, held meetings with Khandaker Masudul Alam, director general (North America), at
the state guest house Padma before calling on Momen. US Ambassador Peter Haas was also present.
US embassy in its Facebook post said they discussed the strong multifaceted bilateral relationship and its many aspects
including investment and trade, development partnership, the Middle East conflict, supporting Rohingya refugees and government
efforts to ensure the people of Bangladesh cast their votes in free, fair and peaceful elections.
Momen said he raised the issue of withdrawing sanctions on Rab.
“Through our legal firm, we have submitted our report to the US Treasury Department. Reforms of Rab will take time, but if
sanctions on individual members of Rab are withdrawn, they can help hold violence-free elections,” he said.
On the Rohingya issue, Momen said Bangladesh wants to continue the tripartite initiative of Rohingya repatriation, which is the
ultimate solution.
The US has some concerns about the safety and security of the Rohingya in Rakhine and the voluntariness, he said.
“We said we will not do anything that goes against their safety and security,” Momen said.
Asked if discussing the election with the US officials is not interference with the internal affairs of Bangladesh as the
foreign ministry earlier said, Momen said it can be so if they make unwanted comments publicly.
“As a friend and development partner, we can discuss any issue of our mutual interest,” he said.
Akhter will visit the Rohingya camp today and may meet with civil society groups before leaving Dhaka tomorrow.
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/diplomacy/news/talks-necessary-holding-free-fair-election-3445391
