Disheartened by US government's recent remarks on poll observers: Bangladesh

The  US State Department recently expressed its disappointment over the Bangladesh government’s “inability to grant credentials and issue visas” to a particular group of election observers for the upcoming general elections in the nation.

In its statement, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry said: "Bangladesh is disheartened to see a Press Statement issued by the United States Department of State on 21 December 2018 on the upcoming National Parliamentary Elections to be held in a festive atmosphere on 30 December 2018 which is being participated by all registered political parties in the country. The election is being conducted by the Bangladesh Election Commission, which is a constitutional body and independent in the exercise of its functions."

"While Bangladesh welcomes international election observers to observe the election, it certainly has the responsibility to ensure that the applicants meet all required criterion as per applicable laws and guidelines of the Election Commission. As of now, 175 foreign election observers from different countries and organizations have been accredited to undertake election monitoring missions in Bangladesh. Accreditation of international election observers from a number of organizations including ANFREL is currently under process. In addition, the Election Commission has registered 118 local organizations and also approved 25,920 local observers to monitor the polls," it said.

The United States on Friday said it is disappointed by the Government of Bangladesh’s 'inability' to grant credentials and issue visas to a group of international observers within the 'timeframe necessary' for monitoring the upcoming general polls in the country.

In a statement, the US State Department said: " The United States is disappointed by the Government of Bangladesh’s inability to grant credentials and issue visas within the timeframe necessary to conduct a credible international monitoring mission to the majority of international election monitors from the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL), which the United States funded through the National Democratic Institute." 

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) is a leading regional network in Asia working on the promotion of democratic elections.

As per the official website, formed in 1997, ANFREL was organized as a solidarity movement working to advance the cause of free and fair elections. At present, it has 26 members from 16 Asian countries. 

"As a result, ANFREL was forced to cancel its observation mission for the December 30 national election," the US State Department said in a statement.

"The lack of an international observation mission makes it even more important for the Government of Bangladesh to complete the accreditation of all the local NGOs that constitute the Election Working Group, which includes some funded by USAID, so they can conduct the vital work of monitoring the election," it said.

"In the lead up to any democratic election there must be space for peaceful expression and assembly; for independent media to do its job covering electoral developments; for participants to have access to information; and for all individuals to be able to partake in the electoral process without harassment, intimidation, or violence," it said.

The Statement further said: "We encourage the Government of Bangladesh to uphold its commitment to a democratic process by ensuring all Bangladeshis are free to peacefully express themselves and participate in December 30 election."

Bangladesh will vote to elect a new Prime Minister on Dec 30.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League is aiming to come to power for the third time in succession.