The US Senator has sent letters to Shiekh Hasina and Khaleda Zia to begin negotiations on holding new elections that would be free, fair and inclusive.
The call came within three days of the 10th Bangladesh parliamentary polls. Robert Menendez, Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, sent the letters to the leaders of the two main political parties on January 8.
He urged the leaders to end the current political deadlock, eschew street violence, and begin negotiations on a path toward free, fair, and inclusive elections. In similar letters, he expressed concern about the ongoing political stalemate in Bangladesh.
Robert said: “I again urge renewed negotiations that will lead to free, fair, peaceful and inclusive elections and an immediate end to politically motivated violence.”
He also urged the leaders to work among themselves to develop a mutually agreed upon path forward for the country.
US Senate also passed a resolution, two days after January 5 polls, condemning the political violence in Bangladesh and urged political leaders in the country to engage directly and substantively in a dialogue toward free, fair, and credible elections.
Noting the ongoing political deadlock had serious economic consequences, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman said: “[it] will further weaken the confidence of international investors.“
To end this downward spiral, I strongly urge you to begin negotiations on new elections that are free, fair, peaceful and inclusive,” Menedez wrote.
Bilateral trade between Bangladesh and US now tops $6 billion annually, and US companies have made significant long-term investments in Bangladesh.
