Calls for fair election dominate US-Bangladesh meetings on UNGA sidelines

The United States reiterated its calls for a free and fair elections in Bangladesh for the fourth time today.

Uzra Zeya, US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, made the call during a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

"The United States is committed to advancing democracy and free elections all over the world and, as a partner to Bangladesh, seeks to support Prime Minister Hasina's public calls for free and fair elections in Bangladesh that are carried out in a peaceful manner," reads a press release from the US Embassy in Dhaka. 

Zeya met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina before jointly hosting a high-level side event on the Rohingya crisis during the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday (22 September).

"We discussed the importance of free and fair elections, US-Bangladesh partnership, and US appreciation for Bangladesh's continued generous hosting of 960,000 Rohingya refugees," Zeya wrote on social media site X.

Earlier on Tuesday (19 September), Zeya held a meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on the sidelines of UNGA in New York.

After the meeting, Zeya posted on X that she had a productive conversation with Masud Bin Momen.

"Appreciated meeting again to discuss the importance of free and fair elections, freedom of expression, and continued humanitarian support for Rohingya and communities that host them," Zeya shared on X.

Meanwhile, US State Department Counselor Derek Chollet on Tuesday called on Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on the sidelines of UNGA and discussed bilateral cooperation.

"We discussed our cooperation on economic development and climate change and the importance of protecting freedom of expression and democracy," Chollet posted on X.

Earlier in July this year, the US undersecretary visited Bangladesh on a four-day official trip. 

During that visit, conducted as a senior US representative, discussions revolved around a range of critical issues, including the need for free and fair elections, the ability of journalists to report without fear of retaliation or intimidation, collaboration to combat trafficking in persons, and the vital role that civil society plays in democracies advancing respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedoms of expression and association.

Uzra Zeya said the United States, as part of their global human rights policy, supports "free, fair and peaceful" elections and they want to do their part as a long-time partner of Bangladesh to help make this possible.

In May this year, the US announced a new visa policy, saying it has decided to deny visas to individuals, from law enforcers to political leaders, believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.