US urges govt to make city polls free, fair

FE Report

The US called upon the government to ensure a free, fair and non-violent city corporations elections slated for April 28.

Welcoming the city corporations polls, the US State Department reminded the Bangladesh political parties that the country is against any form of violence or intimidation in the polls, according to a press release issued by the US

Department of State on Thursday last.  

It said the announcement of the elections has helped end the months of uncertain political situation.  

"We welcome the announcement of municipal elections (in Bangladesh)," State Department's Acting Spokesperson Marie Harf said on Thursday in Washington while replying to a question about Bangladesh city corporations polls.

"Washington also reminded the political parties that in democratic practices there was "no room for violence or intimidation," she said.

She said the announcement of the city corporation elections schedule has apparently ended the months of uncertain political situation in Bangladesh.

 "We have encouraged the Government of Bangladesh and the elections commission to protect citizens' rights to free expression and association during the campaign, again, to ensure free, fair election on polling day," she mentioned.

"We also expect all parties to follow democratic practices, and really, there could be no room here for violence or intimidation," she mentioned.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com