The United States has said the January 7 national elections were not "free and fair" while China congratulated Dhaka on holding 12 Parliamentary elections in which Sheikh Hasina Wajed-led Awami League stood victorious amid the BNP-Jamaat alliance boycott of the elections over unbiased set-up to conduct polls.
"The United States shares the view with other observers that these elections were not free or fair and we regret that not all parties participated," said the State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller in a statement.
He said the US notes the Awami League party won a majority of seats in the parliamentary elections, but remains concerned by the arrests of thousands of political opposition members and by reports of irregularities on election day.
Washington also condemned the violence that took place during the elections and in the months leading up to it.
"We encourage the Government of Bangladesh to credibly investigate reports of violence and to hold perpetrators accountable. We also urge all political parties to reject violence," Miller said.
The US supports the people of Bangladesh and their aspirations for democracy, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression.
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"Looking ahead, the United States remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to deepening our people-to-people and economic ties," Matthew Miller said.
The US had been calling for holding free, fair and peaceful elections. The Biden Administration also imposed sanctions against Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and seven of its members in December 2021, and then announced a visa policy for Bangladesh, saying that those undermining democratic elections will face visa restrictions.
China congratulates Bangladesh
China congratulated Bangladesh for the successful holding of the 12th parliamentary election as planned, and felicitated Awami League for winning the election.
Mao Ning, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, said this in a regular press conference of the ministry today.
A journalist asked Mao Ning for her comment on the ruling Awami League's victory in the election.
In reply, she congratulated Bangladesh for holding the election successfully and Awami League for winning it.
"As an amicable and close neighbour of Bangladesh, China firmly supports Bangladesh in implementing the political agendas in accordance with its law after the election.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has paid respects to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the other martyred family members today. Her sister Sheikh Rehana, @drSaimaWazed and @RadwanSiddiq were also present during the ceremony.#SheikhHasina #Bangladesh… pic.twitter.com/pC9HMQOTfw
— Awami League (@albd1971) January 9, 2024
"Based on the principles of mutual respect, equal footing, mutual benefit and non-interference in other country's internal affairs, China is prepared to work with the new government of Bangladesh to carry forward the long-established friendship, further promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and pursue greater progress for China-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership of Cooperation," she said.
Pakistan aims cooperation between Islamabad, Dhaka ties
I congratulate Sheikh Hasina on her re-election as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. I wish Sheikh Hasina a successful term in office and look forward to enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh under her leadership.
— Anwaar ul Haq Kakar (@anwaar_kakar) January 8, 2024
Sri Lanka on Bangladesh Elections
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said the electoral triumph achieved by the Bangladesh Awami League is a testament to the trust and confidence bestowed by the people of Bangladesh in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's capable leadership.
President Wickremesinghe expressed confidence that her wisdom and wealth of experience will continue to benefit the people of Bangladesh.
india's Modi reaffirms ties with Dhaka
Indian Prime Minister Modi spoke to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and congratulated her on her victory for a 'historic' fourth consecutive term in the Parliamentary elections.
"I also congratulate the people of Bangladesh for the successful conduct of elections. We are committed to further strengthen our enduring and people-centric partnership with Bangladesh," Modi said a in post posted on X, formerly Known as Twitter.
Spoke to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and congratulated her on her victory for a historic fourth consecutive term in the Parliamentary elections. I also congratulate the people of Bangladesh for the successful conduct of elections. We are committed to further strengthen our…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 8, 2024
Russian envoy presents bouquet to Sheikh Hasina
Russian Ambassador Mantytsky congratulated PM SheikhHasina for her victory in the General Election.
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.
— Awami League (@albd1971) January 8, 2024
Long live Bangladesh - Russia friendship.
🇧🇩🤝🇷🇺… pic.twitter.com/7hEThy6UQy
UK FCDO Statement on Bangladesh Election
The U.K. FCDO Statement on the Bangladesh Election said: "We condemn the acts of intimidation and violence... Democratic elections depend on credible, open, and fair competition. Not all political parties took part in the elections. The Bangladeshi people did not therefore have the fullest range of voting options"
