Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and US President Joe Biden engaged in a pivotal discussion during the recent G20 summit in New Delhi, where they underscored the need to enhance the bilateral relationship between their two nations, with a particular emphasis on addressing climate change.
The conversation also delved into the significance of free and fair elections, reflecting the United States’ commitment to democratic values.
National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, John Kirby, provided insights during a White House press briefing, shedding light on Biden’s pull-aside meeting with Prime Minister Hasina in New Delhi.
When initially asked about US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Prime Minister Hasina regarding Delhi-Ottawa ties, Kirby emphasized the importance of allowing these nations to articulate their own bilateral relationships.
However, the journalist’s persistence prompted a deeper exploration of US-Bangladesh relations and the specifics of Biden’s meeting with Prime Minister Hasina.
In response, Kirby highlighted that the leaders had indeed discussed the vital issue of free and fair elections, reaffirming the shared commitment to democratic principles.
The prime minister recently met with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Washington, where they addressed the imperative of fortifying the bilateral relationship across various fronts, with a specific focus on addressing climate change.
This interaction followed her visit to the United States last week, during which she engaged with several senior officials of the Biden Administration.
Last month, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, Prime Minister Hasina had a constructive pull-aside meeting with Biden.
During this exchange, they highlighted the importance of improving bilateral relations, with climate change as a critical focal point.
These discussions assume heightened significance in light of the forthcoming general elections in Bangladesh.
Kirby’s remarks affirm that the leaders recognized the importance of free and fair elections, echoing their commitment to democratic values.
A day before Kirby’s briefing, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the United States supports the desires of the people of Bangladesh for free and fair elections conducted peacefully.
Miller reiterated that the US government does not endorse any particular political party and is committed solely to ensuring that the people of Bangladesh have the liberty to freely elect their leaders.
