US House body writes to Trump on democracy in Bangladesh

FE Report | Published: February 13, 2019 23:58:33

Members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs of the USA on has urged the Trump Administration to address the threats to democracy in Bangladesh.
In a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday, the members highlighted reports of election fraud, improper election rigging and voter suppression surrounding Bangladesh's December 2018 election, urging the Department to take action, says a press release issued by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs."There will be a series of elections taking place this year in Asia, including in Afghanistan, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. It is crucial that the United States demonstrate its continued commitment to and respect for democratic institutions, beginning with Bangladesh," the members wrote.
The letter was jointly issued by - Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs; Representative Michael T. McCaul (R-TX), the Committee's Ranking Member; Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), the Chairman of the Asia and Pacific Subcommittee; Rep. Ted Yoho (R-FL), the Ranking Member of the Asia and Pacific Subcommittee; Rep. Andy Levin (D-MI); and Representative Ann Wagner (R-MO).
"We are gravely concerned by the negative trajectory of democracy in Bangladesh and request an outline of how the Department intends to respond to this trend, particularly in light of serious allegations that the outcome of the December 2018 elections lacked credibility. As you know, supporting democracy, rule of law, and human rights in the Indo-Pacific region is critical to advancing US interests, and reports of widespread irregularities in Bangladesh's recent elections seriously threaten those important interests" the letter said.
The US lawmakers also said, "Bangladesh has a strong and proud democratic tradition, so we were particularly dismayed that the campaign leading up to the election was marred by violence, mass arrests, and a crackdown on free speech."