US reiterates need for free, fair polls

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken yesterday expressed concerns about intimidation of the media and civil society through different means, including the Digital Security Act, in Bangladesh.

During a meeting with Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen in Washington, Blinken underscored that free and fair elections and respect for human rights in Bangladesh are critical as the US seeks to deepen the bilateral relationship, said State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel in a statement.

He told Momen the world is looking to Bangladesh for its next election.

He reiterated US commitment to promoting inclusive economic growth, free and fair elections, human and labour rights, and freedom of expression in Bangladesh.

Washington has been critical of the last two parliamentary elections in Bangladesh and has repeatedly called for a free and fair election.

The national election is due late this year or early next year.

Momen reaffirmed Bangladesh government's commitment to a free, fair and credible election and welcomed election observers from the US.

In a separate briefing shortly after the meeting, Patel told reporters that Bangladesh's Digital Security Act (DSA) is one of the world's most draconian laws for journalists.

The latest World Press Freedom Index ranked Bangladesh 162 out of 180 countries, a drop of 10 places from the previous year, and one of the biggest reasons that Bangladesh scored that is the DSA, he said.

"As per our assessment, it is one of the world's most draconian laws for journalists. And we have made our concerns about this law quite clear. A free press and an informed citizenry are key for any nation and its democratic future ..."

Patel made the remarks when a journalist asked him about Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's comment on the US democracy and human rights. The journalist also sought the official's comment on a statement by Hasina's son and her ICT adviser that the US State Department is "nothing but a bunch of hypocrites".

The reporter also sought comment on the arrest of a man whose comment was used in a DW report on Rab's human rights violations and a group of people looking for the Prothom Alo editor to harm him.

Patel said, "Perpetrators of any human rights abuses should be held accountable."

The US will examine the allegations of gross human rights violations by Rab and also immensely hopes that the Bangladesh authorities will do the same, he added.

Asked if Washington was considering withdrawal of sanctions on Rab, Patel said he would not preview or get into specifics of any actions or designations that Washington has taken from up here.

The reporter then asked about the US stance on BNP's demand for a caretaker polls-time government. Patel replied that the US supports the principle of free and fair elections in Bangladesh and around the world and was not there to endorse one political candidate or party over another.

"So let me say two things. First is that we want to and are looking forward to deepening our relationship with Bangladesh. That's why Secretary Blinken is meeting – had the opportunity to meet with Bangladesh's foreign minister today."

Momen hoped to develop, strengthen and solidify the bilateral relations, resolution of the Rohingya crisis, climate change, labour rights, civil liberty, and elections.

He apprised Blinken of the ongoing and completed works in labour sector reforms in Bangladesh and hoped that Washington would appreciate these efforts, according to a foreign ministry statement.

Washington maintains that regulatory reforms, cutting red tapes and crack down on corruption were key to draw investments from the US, Blinken said.

Bangladesh Ambassador to the US Muhammad Imran, Deputy Head of Mission Ferdousi Shahriar, Director General (North America) Khandker Masudul Alam from the Bangladesh side were present at the meeting.

From the US side, Counselor Derek Chollet, Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration Julieta Valls Noyes, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Kara McDonald, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Afreen Akhter accompanied Blinken in the meeting.