US Calls For Transparent Investigation Of Electoral Violence

Following the national elections, which the US termed "not free and fair," the State Department's Spokesperson Matthew Miller has urged Bangladesh to credibly and transparently investigate the reports of violence.

During a regular press briefing yesterday (January 18) Matthew Miller was asked "what steps the US will take in response to the reported sham election in Bangladesh involving the undermining of democracy and imprisonment of thousands opposition members?"

Matthew Miller, in response, said, "We do remain concerned by the arrest of thousands of political opposition members and by the reports of irregularities on election day. We share the view with other observers that these elections were not free and fair.

"We regret that not all parties participated, and we condemn the violence that took place during elections and in the months leading up to it," he added.

He concluded by saying the US is now encouraging the Government of Bangladesh to credibly and transparently investigate the reports of violence, to hold perpetrators accountable. He urged all parties to reject political violence.