US Deems Bangladesh Parliamentary Elections as Unfair Amid Opposition Boycott

The United States has expressed its concerns over the parliamentary elections held in Bangladesh on Sunday, characterizing them as neither "free nor fair." The ruling Awami League party secured a significant victory, but the elections were marked by an opposition boycott.

State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller issued a statement highlighting the arrest of thousands of political opposition members and reported irregularities on election day, affirming the US's apprehensions about the electoral process. The statement lamented the absence of all parties' participation, emphasizing that the elections were not conducted on a level playing field.

The Bangladesh Election Commission unveiled unofficial results for 298 out of 300 parliamentary seats, with the Awami League party securing 223 seats. Their ally, the Jatiya Party, won 11 seats, while independent candidates claimed 61 seats, and the remainder went to other parties.

The US also condemned election-related violence and urged the government to thoroughly investigate reports of such incidents, holding perpetrators accountable. They called upon all political parties to reject violence.

The US reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with Bangladesh to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, support human rights and civil society, and strengthen economic and people-to-people ties in the future.