On October 26, 2022, the U.S. Coordinator for Strategic Communication, John Kirby, held a press conference at the National Security Council in Washington, D.C. where he outlined U.S. viewpoints on Bangladesh.
Answering questions from journalists, Mr. Kirby reiterated the official position of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on the ongoing political climate in Bangladesh and the upcoming elections in 2023. The Biden administration has been clear about its deep concerns regarding the Bangladesh government’s harassment of the opposition parties and supporters and urges strongly an environment for free and fair campaigning and elections.
The United States considers that Bangladesh does not have a fair electoral system, one in which there is the right of peaceful assembly, the freedom of congregation, and the freedom to discuss and to organize politically regardless of political affiliation. Mr. Kirby stated that all governments must respect the aspirations of its people to ensure democracy and freedom.
Recently and continuing on until December 10, the most prominent opposition party of Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has organized rallies in various major districts across the country. The turnout has been much larger than expected, with people walking for miles over several days to attend, as the government had ordered transport strikes as a means to deter people from attending, violating their democratic rights. When asked why they attended the rallies despite the challenges, Bangladeshis from all across the country responded that they are completely discontented with the current regime due to its forcible power grab, vote rigging, corruption and exponential human rights violations for the last 14 years under the Awami League regime.
The Coalition for Human Rights & Democracy in Bangladesh profoundly appreciates the U.S. government’s position on the absolute need for democratic practices in Bangladesh to prevail.