The United States has expressed concerns regarding the recent elections in Bangladesh, stating that they lacked transparency and impartiality.
Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the US State Department, highlighted worries over the arrest of opposition activists and leaders, as well as irregularities in the voting process. Condemning the instances of violence during the elections, the spokesperson urged Bangladesh’s government to conduct a fair investigation into these incidents and hold those accountable. The US emphasized the importance of justice for the Bangladeshi people.
Similarly, the United Kingdom also criticized the elections, asserting that they were not conducted in a free and fair manner. The act of boycotting the election, according to British statements, was not aligned with democratic principles.
In response to these criticisms, Sheikh Hasina Wajid, leader of the ruling Awami League, defended the election’s legitimacy. Addressing her supporters after securing 223 out of 298 seats in the House, she dismissed the allegations, stating that the election was indeed conducted freely and fairly. Sheikh Hasina Wajid emphasized that criticisms were welcome and reiterated that the absence of one party’s participation did not negate the existence of democracy within the country.
