US wants fair elections, not a caretaker government
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said the US wants free and fair elections as per the existing laws of the country, not a caretaker government.
He made the remark in response to a query of a journalist regarding his recent meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington DC on April 10, after an event in Sylhet city on Friday afternoon.
"The United States wants to be a partner in Bangladesh's development journey. That's why we attracted their special attention. … They want our upcoming elections to be free and fair. They don't want a caretaker government," the foreign minister said.
His comments come when the main opposition BNP has been calling for caretaker government for the national polls scheduled for late this year or early next year, but the ruling Awami League maintains that the election will be held under the incumbent government.
Asked about Momen's remarks yesterday, Bryan Schiller, spokesperson for US embassy, said the US wants a free and fair election in Bangladesh, in accordance with international standards that allow the people to choose their leaders.
"We do not have an opinion about the details of how the election is run," he told The Daily Star.
Talking to journalists on Friday, Momen said, "We told them what we have done for a fair election. We have prepared a voter list with photos, made transparent ballot boxes, and formed a strong Election Commission. They are happy with that."
"They want us not to fight during the election. A few people died on January 6 [during the Capitol riot in 2021] in their country. That's why they want Bangladesh to hold an ideal election and show the world," he added.
Momen said transparent elections depend on active cooperation from all parties and segments of the public.
He said, "Sheikh Hasina government is determined to conduct free and fair elections. All other parties should also come forward with sincerity."
Terming Bangladesh "the land of magic", Momen said, "We can do whatever we want. Years after the Rana Plaza incident, we now have eight out of 10 most eco-friendly factories in the world."
Regarding the discussion on the Digital Security Act with the US secretary of state, he said it has not been used properly in some cases.
"But all the countries of the world have such laws. Even the USA has tougher laws. We will rectify any deviations. They [US] are satisfied with that. They don't want repeal of the law, but want its misuse stopped," Momen said.
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