US hopes for free, fair municipal polls

The United States has expressed optimism that upcoming municipal elections scheduled to be held on December 30 will be free, fair and peaceful.
United States Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs-designate Thomas A Shannon expressed the optimism during his meetings with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Opposition Leader Raushan Ershad and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, according to a press release issued by the US Embassy in Dhaka on Shannon’s visit to Bangladesh on December 13-14.
According to sources concerned, Shannon, currently the Counsellor of the US State Department, left early afternoon for Sri Lankan capital Colombo, wrapping up his maiden visit to Bangladesh.
In his meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Shannon congratulated her for her global leadership on climate change, development, and women’s empowerment issues, said the release.
He reaffirmed the value that the United States places on its relationship with Bangladesh and conveyed the continued friendship and support of the U.S. people.  
While meeting with opposition leader Raushan Ershad, Shannon expressed support for the role of opposition parties in ensuring a vibrant, healthy democracy.  
In his meeting with former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, the Undersecretary-designate commended the BNP's decision to contest the upcoming municipal elections.  
“In all of his meetings, Ambassador Shannon expressed hope that the December municipal elections would be free, fair, and peaceful,” stated the press release.
During the visit, Ambassador Shannon was accompanied by Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Desai Biswal and Deputy Assistant Secretary for South Asia Manpreet Singh Anand.
His trip, one of the first bilateral visits he has made since being nominated Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, highlighted the importance the United States places on its partnership with Bangladesh.
Ambassador Shannon also met Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, senior government and parliamentary leaders, media, civil society, and labour representatives.
He also visited a USAID-funded healthcare clinic and delivered remarks on bilateral relations at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies. 

 

US hopes for free, fair municipal polls

The United States has expressed optimism that upcoming municipal elections scheduled to be held on December 30 will be free, fair and peaceful. United States Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs-designate Thomas A Shannon expressed the optimism during his meetings with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Opposition Leader Raushan Ershad and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, according to a press release issued by the US Embassy in Dhaka on Shannons visit to Bangladesh on December 13-14. According to sources concerned, Shannon, currently the Counsellor of the US State Department, left early afternoon for Sri Lankan capital Colombo, wrapping up his maiden visit to Bangladesh. In his meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Shannon congratulated her for her global leadership on climate change, development, and womens empowerment issues, said the release. He reaffirmed the value that the United States places on its relationship with Bangladesh and conveyed the continued friendship and support of the U.S. people. While meeting with opposition leader Raushan Ershad, Shannon expressed support for the role of opposition parties in ensuring a vibrant, healthy democracy. In his meeting with former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, the Undersecretary-designate commended the BNPs decision to contest the upcoming municipal elections. In all of his meetings, Ambassador Shannon expressed hope that the December municipal elections would be free, fair, and peaceful, stated the press release. During the visit, Ambassador Shannon was accompanied by Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Desai Biswal and Deputy Assistant Secretary for South Asia Manpreet Singh Anand. His trip, one of the first bilateral visits he has made since being nominated Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, highlighted the importance the United States places on its partnership with Bangladesh. Ambassador Shannon also met Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, senior government and parliamentary leaders, media, civil society, and labour representatives. He also visited a USAID-funded healthcare clinic and delivered remarks on bilateral relations at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies.