Create conditions for fair, transparent polls

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The US Department of State yesterday urged the caretaker government to create conditions for free, fair and transparent elections where all political parties can be involved in Bangladesh’s democratic and political life.

A US State Department spokesman said, “We have urged them [the caretaker government] to create those conditions where all political parties and everybody who wants to be involved in Bangladesh’s political-democratic life can do so and feel as though that when they cast their vote that it is going to be a vote that’s recorded in the way that it should be and that their voice will be heard, whether or not they will–their particular political candidate or political party wins is going to be up to those in the ballot box, but it needs to be free and fair. They need to have that opportunity.”

Speaking at the daily press briefing in Washington yesterday, US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said Under Secretary Nick Burns last week spoke with the head of the caretaker government in Bangladesh to urge him to create those conditions that would allow for a free, fair and transparent election.

“I’m not sure to this point that we have seen them take those actions and we would encourage them to do so,” McCormack added.

Asked if there is any move by US Ambassador in Bangladesh Patricia Butenis to strike a deal between Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia so they come to the election process, McCormack said, “The short answer is, I don’t have details of any meetings or any ‘deal’ that may be emerging.

“Our ambassador on the ground certainly is available to offer the good offices of that position to political parties–those involved in the political process–who want to see a good election transpire in a peaceful environment,” he said, adding, “But ultimately, any of these decisions are going to…any accommodations that are made are going to have to be among the Bangladeshis themselves.”

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