US 'is not dictating' steps to restore democracy in Bangladesh: Gastright
Thursday, 20 September 2007
The United States (US) supports free and fair elections in Bangladesh so people will have confidence in an elected government. The US 'is not dictating' measures for the restoration of democracy in the country.
US Deputy Assistant Secretary John Gastright made the comment at a press briefing after a meeting with Adviser for Foreign Affairs Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury at the foreign office in the city Wednesday, report agencies.
Gastright said the US supports the caretaker government (CG), electoral reforms, foundation for free and fair election, efforts to empower the institutions of sustainable democracy and ultimate goal of holding election to establish a government enjoying people's confidence.
Asked what additional measures the US look for restoration of democracy in Bangladesh as soon as possible as national media quoted him as saying, Gastright said he did not say anything like that after his meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).
"US is not here to dictate, US is here to listen and see plans the CG is developing to bring a democracy for Bangladeshi people", he said.
Describing his meeting with CEC ATM Shamsul Huda as excellent, Gastright said the CEC detailed his plans and five-point strategy to reform the election process and bring the political parties together to accept some institutional reforms internally, so there will be more democratic parties.
Asked if he thinks the arrest of two ex-premiers would create a roadblock to free and fair elections with all parties' participation, Gastright said US position on arrests of individuals -- whether they were former prime ministers or not -- was that the government must respect due process and human rights.
"And I am very hopeful and expect that the government will do so", he told a correspondent.
Iftekhar told journalists that he apprised Gastright of reform process the government was undertaking and future cooperation between Bangladesh and US in international arena.
The US supported the government efforts for establishment of some good institutions of sustainable democracy, he said.
A press statement issued by the US Embassy said Gastright emphasised the importance of restoring democracy in Bangladesh as soon as possible.
Following the media briefing, the American Embassy's public affairs division distributed a written press statement.
US Deputy Assistant Secretary John Gastright made the comment at a press briefing after a meeting with Adviser for Foreign Affairs Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury at the foreign office in the city Wednesday, report agencies.
Gastright said the US supports the caretaker government (CG), electoral reforms, foundation for free and fair election, efforts to empower the institutions of sustainable democracy and ultimate goal of holding election to establish a government enjoying people's confidence.
Asked what additional measures the US look for restoration of democracy in Bangladesh as soon as possible as national media quoted him as saying, Gastright said he did not say anything like that after his meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).
"US is not here to dictate, US is here to listen and see plans the CG is developing to bring a democracy for Bangladeshi people", he said.
Describing his meeting with CEC ATM Shamsul Huda as excellent, Gastright said the CEC detailed his plans and five-point strategy to reform the election process and bring the political parties together to accept some institutional reforms internally, so there will be more democratic parties.
Asked if he thinks the arrest of two ex-premiers would create a roadblock to free and fair elections with all parties' participation, Gastright said US position on arrests of individuals -- whether they were former prime ministers or not -- was that the government must respect due process and human rights.
"And I am very hopeful and expect that the government will do so", he told a correspondent.
Iftekhar told journalists that he apprised Gastright of reform process the government was undertaking and future cooperation between Bangladesh and US in international arena.
The US supported the government efforts for establishment of some good institutions of sustainable democracy, he said.
A press statement issued by the US Embassy said Gastright emphasised the importance of restoring democracy in Bangladesh as soon as possible.
Following the media briefing, the American Embassy's public affairs division distributed a written press statement.