Appreciating Bangladesh's engagement with the US, Secretary of State Antony J Blinken has said that his country is committed to working together with Bangladesh to find ways to further “strengthen and deepen” the existing robust relationship.
Regarding elections, the US says it supports the principle of free and fair elections in Bangladesh and around the world but does not endorse one political candidate or party versus another, according to the State Department's Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel.
The US has also expressed its concerns over allegations of human rights violations by the elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), abuse of the Digital Security Act (DSA) and freedom of the press, UNB reported.
The comments come after a meeting between Blinken and his Bangladesh counterpart Dr AK Abdul Momen in Washington on Monday afternoon (US time). Momen also handed over a letter from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Secretary Blinken addressed to US President Joe Biden.
Talking to reporters in Dhaka on Tuesday, Momen said: "I'd say we're lucky because the American secretary of state doesn't frequently extend invitations. We got three in a row. America is paying much attention to our journey on the highway of development."
On Tuesday, Sheikh Hasina criticized US policies on different aspects and questioned the democratic and human rights situation in the US. In her statement in parliament, she also said some opposition parties, intellectuals and media outlets were supporting the US campaign, adding that the US can overthrow the government in any country, particularly Muslim countries.
After the meeting with the Bangladesh delegation, Blinken said: “Of course, we are looking…the world is looking to Bangladesh for its next elections to make sure that they set up [a] strong example of free and fair elections for the region and the world.”
He also appreciated Bangladesh's remarkable generosity in hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas in Bangladesh.
Momen seeks US support in polls
Foreign Minister Momen said Bangladesh, like the US, also wants a free, fair and model election.
“Democracy is in our blood. People gave blood to uphold democracy, justice and human dignity,” he said, seeking help from the US for a free and fair election.
Momen highlighted the independent Election Commission and measures taken for holding the elections in a transparent manner.
He said Bangladesh welcomes US observers but not any partisan observers. “All opposition parties must come forward to help in holding a free and fair election. We are creating the environment for a free fair election.”
“We are proud of the partnership,” he said, adding that he was in Washington to strengthen and solidify the relationship.
Momen has said Bangladesh wants to improve its ties with the United States with a stronger trade relationship in the next 50 years. “Bangladesh has a multifaceted, dynamic and wide-ranging relationship with the US. Over the last 50 years, we have done very well. We look forward to the next 50 years,” he said.
Extradition of Mujib's killer
At the meeting with Blinken, Bangladesh raised the issue of Rashed Chowdhury, a convicted killer of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who has long been living freely in the US.
Momen hoped that the US will not be a shelter for killers and will hand over assassin Rashed to Bangladesh as Dhaka wants to establish the rule of law in the country.
During the meeting, Bangladesh sought efforts to enhance relations on trade and investment fronts, reiterated its call for the return of Bangabandhu's killer and discussed issues of mutual interests.
The two sides also focused on their ongoing cooperation to deal with the climate crisis, meet the needs of Rohingyas, their safe return to Myanmar, and promote regional security through UN peacekeeping operations.
RAB, DSA
Meanwhile, at a regular briefing in Washington, State Department official Vedant Patel has said that any abuser of human rights should be held accountable.
"It's our immense hope that the Bangladesh government does look into the contents of this article and video (referring to a recent DW-Netra News documentary on RAB)," Patel said.
The US embassy in Dhaka shared updates on the briefing with the local media on Tuesday.
It may be recalled that on December 10, 2021, the US imposed sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion and some of its officials on the basis of “credible evidence” of serious human rights abuse. It has called for accountability and reforms before the sanctions are lifted.
Patel said as per Washington's assessment, the Digital Security Act is "one of the world's most draconian laws" for journalists. The World Press Freedom Index ranked Bangladesh 162 out of 180 countries, a drop of 10 places from the previous year, Patel said.
“And we have made our concerns about this law quite clear. A free press and an informed citizenry are key for any nation and its democratic future," he said.
Petal said the US wants to and is looking forward to deepening its relationship with Bangladesh. That is why, he said, Secretary Blinken met Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen.
"We, again, are looking forward to deepening our relationship with Bangladesh as a whole," he added.
