Staff Reporter :
US Ambassador Peter Haas said that the parliamentary election of Bangladesh on January 7 has failed to reflect the democratic aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.
He further said that the US government believes democracy as the best way to achieve enduring economic prosperity that serves all of a country’s people.
The Envoy on Friday came up with the statement published on the website of US Embassy Dhaka to celebrate his 2nd Anniversary: Driving Prosperity, Partnership, and Progress in Bangladesh.
Haas, however, said that his government would continue to partner with Bangladesh on economic development, climate action, and security cooperation to push for democracy and the respect of human rights.
Even he said that the US government would continue to call for an end to media persons’ harassment, call for meaningful political dialogue and support the human rights defenders in the upcoming days.
Regarding the parliamentary election, he said, “Prior to the January 7, 2024 parliamentary election, the United States advocated publicly for a free and fair election that would reflect the democratic aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. This did not happen.”
“The United States still cares deeply about democracy – in Bangladesh and elsewhere. Quite simply, we believe democracy is the best way to achieve enduring economic prosperity that serves all of a country’s people,” he said.
About the members of the civil society, he said, “We will continue to support the brave members of civil society and human rights defenders.”
Regarding political dialogue, the envoy said, “We will continue to call for meaningful political dialogue to pave the way for a more open, peaceful, and democratic society.”
His speech has seriously mentioned the media repression, saying: “We will continue to call for an end to the systematic repression and harassment of media professionals who are just doing their jobs. We will continue to press for greater freedom of speech and assembly.”
Though he sees that Bangladesh has come a very long way from its beginnings, he also sees significant challenges as well.
