The US state department has reiterated that the last parliamentary election in Bangladesh was not fair. Robert Palladino, a state department spokesperson, came up with the reaction while replying to a query by a questioner at a regular media briefing in Washington on March 26 (local time).

However, the spokesperson made it clear that the US wants to continue working with the ruling government in issues of mutual interest. Referring to its recent report on human rights in Bangladesh, the spokesperson said, “We recently released our Human Rights Report and we noted that the December 2018 election was not free and it was not fair given widespread reports of irregularities, including ballot box stuffing and intimidation of opposition polling agents and voters.”

“That said, we have a – the United States and Bangladesh have a long history of cooperation and a vision for a tolerant, democratic Bangladesh that strengthens its democratic institutions, respects human rights, and seeks to improve its governing structures and institutions,” he added.

Palladino also lauded the economic development Bangladesh has achieved so far. “Bangladesh has an impressive economic development – impressive record of economic development – and respect for democracy, freedom of expression, human rights,” said the state department spokesperson.

Palladino also made it clear that his country looks forwards to working with Bangladesh in sectors of mutual interest.

“So United States looks forward to continuing to work with the ruling government as well as the opposition to continue to advance these interrelated goals,” Palladino added. When the US State Department released its report on human rights, the ruling party Awami League blatantly rejected it saying it was not based on facts.

Even Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on March 18 at a press conference rejected the report and said they have sent a protest note against it.  “It is a one-sided report. I have a lot of doubts whether they carried out their own investigation before making such report. The violation of human rights what the report has published is mainly violated in America,” he added.