The US expresses support for the interim government’s election plan
The US has commended the interim government for announcing plans to hold the national election between late 2025 and mid-2026, stating it will closely monitor the proposed timeline.
The United States has expressed support for the interim government of Bangladesh's efforts to prepare for national elections, emphasizing the importance of allowing the Bangladeshi people to choose their government representatives. US State Department Spokesperson Vedant Patel, speaking at a press briefing in Washington DC on Wednesday, welcomed Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus’s announcement on Monday regarding the tentative timeline for the elections, set between late 2025 and mid-2026. Patel also highlighted the US commitment to monitoring the timing of the elections and underscored the need to uphold the rule of law and democratic principles throughout the process.
Earlier in 2023, the US introduced a visa policy targeting individuals undermining democratic elections in Bangladesh, following allegations of widespread irregularities in the 2018 and 2014 national polls under the Awami League government.
“We advocate for free and fair elections conducted in a peaceful manner across the globe,” Patel stated.
Addressing concerns about enforced disappearances in Bangladesh, Patel expressed deep concern over reports of hundreds of such incidents in the past two decades. “Enforced disappearance is a grave human rights violation that causes immense trauma to victims and uncertainty for their families,” he said. The US welcomed efforts by the interim government to investigate these crimes and called for fair and transparent processes to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
In December 2021, the US imposed sanctions on Bangladesh's Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and seven senior officials for gross human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
On reports of violence against minorities in Bangladesh and protests by the Hindu community in the US, Patel reiterated the US stance on safeguarding human rights and dignity. He emphasized that protests in the US should remain peaceful and that the rights of all individuals must be respected.
Patel reaffirmed the US commitment to engaging with global counterparts, including Bangladesh’s interim government, to uphold human rights and democratic values.
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