Pressure from powerful countries and influential development partners including the USA and European Union (EU) is mounting for holding a free, fair and participatory national election in Bangladesh.
However, the government several times remarked that there is no foreign pressure on the government in this regard.
The United States of America recently stamped Bangladesh with a visa policy.
According to the new visa policy, anyone who bars free and fair elections will be slapped with a visa ban. Earlier, when the US higher officials visited Dhaka urged the ruling party to hold fair elections.
Besides, in several bilateral meetings, Washington expressed hope to see Bangladesh holding fair and participatory elections.
After announcing the visa policy for Bangladesh, six heavy-weight congressmen have written a letter to President Joe Biden expressing concern over Bangladesh's general election.
In the letter, congressmen urged President Biden to take action regarding Bangladesh's human rights violations and holding free, fair elections.
On the other hand, six EU members following the congressmen have also written letter to EU parliament urging to play a role in holding free, fair and neutral elections in Bangladesh.
EU members handed down the letter to Josep Borrell, Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. At the same time, members also urged to find out a way through talking regarding ongoing 'Human Violations and political crisis' in Bangladesh.
The Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has rejected any foreign pressure on Bangladesh saying, "There is no pressure on Bangladesh ahead of general elections. Bangladesh government is committed to holding free, fair, and participatory election".
Regarding six congressmen letter Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam said, "There are major gaps and inconsistencies in the information in the letter. Such letters have come in the past, and may come in larger form in the future. Such activities will increase as the national election approaches."
BDST: 1550 HRS, JUNE 14, 2023
MSK/SMS
