Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reiterated her commitment to holding a free, fair, and neutral election in the country, which is scheduled to take place either at the end of 2023 or early 2024.
During a meeting with the US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya, the prime minister expressed her party’s long-standing dedication to ensuring transparent elections and stated that they have previously conducted such elections. Prime Minister Hasina emphasized the importance of people’s rights to choose their representatives and highlighted the Awami League’s continuous fight for these rights. She also pointed out that it was the opposition party, BNP, that initially engaged in vote rigging, a situation that has been rectified by her government through the introduction of transparent ballot boxes for future polls. Furthermore, the prime minister recalled the atrocities and acts of terrorism carried out by BNP and its allies between 2013 and 2015, resulting in the loss of 500 lives. She also mentioned the August 21 Grenade attack, during which members of the Awami League shielded her from harm.
Uzra Zeya commended Prime Minister Hasina’s commitment to holding a neutral, free, and fair election and stated that her country had introduced a new visa policy to support this objective. She assured that there was no bias towards any political party and reiterated the desire for an impartial electoral process. The discussion also touched upon the Rohingya crisis, with Uzra Zeya emphasizing the need for coordinated international efforts to facilitate the repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas back to their homeland in Myanmar. The US undersecretary praised Bangladesh for hosting a significant number of Rohingya refugees and announced a contribution of approximately $74 million for operational costs in the Rohingya camps. Sheikh Hasina expressed concerns about human trafficking and anti-social activities occurring within the camps, which pose security risks to the country. Labor issues were also addressed during the meeting, with Uzra Zeya stating that the US would collaborate with Bangladesh on labor reform initiatives. Prime Minister Hasina highlighted her personal efforts in encouraging industrial owners to improve wages and other facilities for workers.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Prime Minister’s Office Secretary Mohammad Salahuddin, Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Mohammad Imran, US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu, and US Ambassador Peter Haas.
