US watches developments over BD polls

Spokesperson says to a query

FE REPORT | Published: October 25, 2023 00:31:00

The United States is closely monitoring developments in Bangladesh ahead of its upcoming national elections, a US spokesperson said in response to a query over tensions centering an opposition rally.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller made the observations Monday at a regular briefing in response to the question stating that Bangladesh's political situation escalated ahead of the opposition grand rally scheduled for October 28 and the regime is in action to obstruct the rally, including arresting, framing charges, and also with trials rolling well into the night.
"I don't think I have anything to say about that specific allegation. We are closely monitoring developments in Bangladesh leading up to the elections," the spokesperson said.
He further said: It's important for free and fair elections that all stakeholders are able to participate peacefully. That includes government officials, law enforcement, political parties, the election commission, the media, and of course, voters themselves."
Regarding a question on the security issues of US Ambassador in Bangladesh and other embassy personnel, Mr. Miller said it is the responsibility of Bangladesh government to take necessary steps for ensuring security for diplomatic premises and personnel.
"I will say it again, which is that under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Bangladesh has obligations to take all appropriate steps with respect to protecting diplomatic premises and personnel, and the United States values its relationship with Bangladesh and we expect the government will take all appropriate actions to maintain the safety and security of all US missions and diplomatic personnel in the country," he told the press meet.
The US state department spokesperson's observations came in the wake of the ongoing demonstrations by the opposition political parties, including Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), for holding the upcoming general election under a neutral caretaker administration in a free, fair and peaceful manner.
As part of its ongoing movement, the former ruling party, BNP, has already planned to hold a grand rally on October 28 (Saturday) in Dhaka to press home their demands.
BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said his party will only hold the grand rally and they do not have any intention to sit in the streets.
However, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman has already forewarned necessary actions against any attempt of violence during BNP's October-28 rally.