US: Bangladesh Elections Not Fair And Free; UN Shows Concern Over Violence On Voting Day

The US and UN expressed concern over violence and reports of irregularities on election day, a day after Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party won the elections. Washington noted that the polls were not free and fair and expressed regret that not all parties participated in the ballot.

Several opposition members arrested

In a press release on Monday, the US State Department expressed Washington’s continued concern over thousands of political opposition members being arrested as well as the irregularities that have been reported on Bangladesh’s election day.

“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. “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.

“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.

Take steps to renew country’s commitment to democracy: Human Rights Chief

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk called on Bangladesh’s newly elected government to take steps to renew the country’s commitment to democracy and human rights, voicing distress that the environment for Sunday’s poll was marred by violence and repression of opposition candidates and supporters. “In the months leading up to the vote, thousands of opposition supporters have been detained arbitrarily or subjected to intimidation. Such tactics are not conducive to a truly genuine process,” Türk said.

The top UN human rights official further added that democracy was “hard won” in Bangladesh and “must not become cosmetic.” The UN official mentioned that before the election, law enforcement officials were allegedly using blackmail, surveillance, forced disappearances, threats, and mass arrests. According to the UN official, since October, about 25,000 supporters of the opposition—including prominent party leaders—have been detained. The UN Human Rights chief stated that at least ten opponents of the government have allegedly died—or been killed—while in police custody during the past two months, raising grave concerns about the possibility of torture or inhumane detention conditions.

“These incidents must be independently investigated, and those responsible must be brought to justice in fair and transparent trials,” Türk said. “Violations and irregularities during the campaign and on election day itself should also be thoroughly and effectively investigated.”

Awami League won 223 seats in elections

Awami League (AL) secured 223 seats in the 300-member Parliament on Sunday. However, the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) boycotted the election.

With agency inputs

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