Info minister says State Dept report 'biased'
The Bangladesh government yesterday again rejected US State Department report that labelled the December 30 parliamentary election “lopsided”.
“The report they published is biased,” said Information Minister Hasan Mahmud while briefing reporters at his ministry office yesterday afternoon.
“They based their report on the accounts of some agencies -- the names of which are mentioned in the report,” the minister said.
“We reject this report. In the true essence, the December 30 election was peaceful and participatory -- held in a festive atmosphere.”
Reflecting on whether this report will put strains on bilateral relationships, the minister said it is unlikely, because “Trump administration congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after her re-election to the parliament”.
About mention of human rights abuses in Bangladesh in the report, he said, “Human rights situation of Bangladesh is very good; we think the US should concentrate more on its own human rights issues.”
The State Department report released on March 13 termed Bangladesh's parliamentary election “lopsided” and said it was considered marred by irregularities.
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