The United States has declared that the January 7 national elections in Bangladesh were not “free and fair,” while China congratulated Dhaka on holding the 12th parliamentary elections. The Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina Wajed, emerged victorious in the elections, which were boycotted by the BNP-Jamaat alliance over an unbiased set-up to conduct polls. The US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, stated that the US shares the view with other observers that the elections were not free or fair, and they regret that not all parties participated. The US also condemned the violence that took place during the elections and in the months leading up to it. The US supports the people of Bangladesh and their aspirations for democracy, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression.
Russian Ambassador #Mantytsky congratulated PM #SheikhHasina for her victory in the General Election. Russia is a friend of #Bangladesh since 1971 #LiberationWar and our bonding will be stronger in the near future.
Long live Bangladesh – Russia friendship.
🇧🇩🤝🇷🇺… pic.twitter.com/7hEThy6UQy
— Bangladesh Awami League (@albd1971) January 8, 2024
China congratulated Bangladesh for holding the election successfully and felicitated Awami League for winning the election. The UK FCDO issued a statement condemning the acts of intimidation and violence and said that democratic elections depend on credible, open, and fair competition. The US and UK’s statements came after Hasina’s party won a fourth straight term, but the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party boycotted the election over Hasina’s refusal to meet their demands. The US remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to deepening their people-to-people and economic ties.