The United States has reiterated its call for all political parties in Bangladesh to exercise restraint, avoid violence, and work together to create the conditions for free and fair elections conducted in a peaceful manner.

Responding to a question on the upcoming general election set for January 7 next year, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on Thursday said they have been consistent in their message regarding the upcoming polls, and that message remains the same now that the polling day has been announced.

“We want what the Bangladeshi people themselves want: free and fair elections which are conducted in a peaceful manner,” he said while speaking at a briefing at the State Department.

“We do not support one political party in Bangladesh; we don’t favor one political party over the other.”

Miller said, “We urge all parties to exercise restraint, avoid violence, and work together to create the conditions for free and fair elections conducted in a peaceful manner.”

On another question about the security threat to US Ambassador Peter Haas, the spokesperson said the “safety and security of our diplomats overseas is, of course, our – our top priority. We take any threats against them very seriously.”

He said violence or threats of violence directed at US diplomatic personnel is unacceptable.

“We have repeatedly raised our concerns about the threatening rhetoric directed at Ambassador Haas with the Bangladeshi Government. Would remind them that they have an obligation under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations to ensure the safety and security of US diplomatic missions and personnel. And we expect them to act on those obligations.”

BDST: 1420 HRS, NOV 17, 2023
MN