The US has expressed disappointment as the major political parties of Bangladesh have not yet reached a consensus towards holding a free and fair election.
Marie Harf, deputy spokesperson of the US Department of State, made the remarks during a regular briefing in Washington.
“We’re disappointed that the major political parties have not yet reached a consensus on a way to hold free, fair, and credible elections. Obviously, that’s what we’re encouraging, and we will keep monitoring the situation and engaging as necessary,” she said.
Reiterating the call for a constructive dialogue, she said: “We believe it’s even more urgent than ever for the major parties to redouble their efforts to engage in constructive dialogue.
They need to find a way forward, to hold free and fair elections that are credible, and violence is not acceptable – never acceptable – because it subverts the democratic process.”
Asked about whether the US would recognise the election results where more than half of the seats remaining uncontested, the spokesperson said: “I don’t want to get ahead of what we’ll say in response to the election results.
As I have been clear, they have not taken steps to hold free, fair, and credible elections, so clearly that’s not a good sign. But I don’t want to prejudge the outcome or what we’ll say afterwards.
Replying a query on the house arrest of the leader of the opposition, she said: I don’t think that I do. I can check with our team and see – I don’t have anything on that. I’m happy to check with our folks.”