The United States, which took an interest in Bangladesh polls and announced a visa restriction policy, issued a statement on Sunday's 12th parliamentary election.
The US State Department said it "shares the view with other observers that these elections were not free or fair and regrets that not all parties participated."
The statement, however, did not mention the names of the observers.
“The United States supports the people of Bangladesh and their aspirations for democracy, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression. The United States notes the Awami League party won a majority of seats in the January 7, 2024 parliamentary elections. The United States remains concerned by the arrests of thousands of political opposition members and by reports of irregularities on elections day,” said the statement.
The US condemned the violence that took place during elections and in the months leading up to it. “We encourage the Government of Bangladesh to credibly investigate reports of violence and to hold perpetrators accountable. We also urge all political parties to reject violence.
“Looking ahead, the United States remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to deepening our people-to-people and economic ties.”
