POBNEWS24, Dhaka, July 11, 2023 : US State Department Chief Spokesperson Matthew Miller made it clear that we do not support any political party in Bangladesh, we support a genuine democratic process.
He made this comment about free, fair and participatory elections in Bangladesh at the State Department’s regular briefing on Monday (July 10) local time. A US Embassy Dhaka statement.
In response to a question regarding the criticism of Russia, China and Iran on the United States’ stance on Bangladesh elections, he said, “I would like to remind you that Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has repeatedly stated her commitment to free and fair elections.” Bangladesh has 50 years of bilateral relations with the United States. We do not support any political party. We support a genuine democratic process.
In this regard, he said, earlier in response to another question, I said – when another country criticizes the election process of the United States, we do not consider it as interference. I consider this criticism to be helpful in strengthening our democracy. We don’t know why any other country would object.
In a question about the visit of Uzra Zeya, US State Department’s Undersecretary for Civilian Security, Human Rights and Democracy, and US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu, he said, Uzra Zeya will visit Bangladesh from July 11 to 14. During the visit, she will speak with Bangladesh government officials on human rights, the Rohingya refugee crisis, labor issues, free and fair elections and human trafficking.
He will also interact with civil society leaders on freedom of expression, labor rights and government and democracy.