US for fair election in Bangladesh

US Ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Bernicat yesterday said the United States looks forward to a fair election in Bangladesh.

“We [Bangladesh and the US] are both democratic countries… and the fundamental basis of democracy is that citizens have the right to choose and change the government,” she told a group of journalists at EMK Center in the capital.

“When the process is truly representative and fair, then you have the basis for stability,” she added.

The US ambassador was addressing the media on the occasion of “African-American History Month”, which is celebrated by the US government throughout the month of February each year, reports our correspondent.

Responding to a query, she said the US government has no favourite political party in Bangladesh. It is the choice of the Bangladeshi people whomever they elect to form the government. “It's your job to choose that party.”

She stressed the need for peaceful demonstrations and protests. The US envoy also said she thinks the world has not lost attention on the Rohingya issue. The US government has been working to find a resolution to the crisis.

The Trump administration has been highly vocal and critical of the atrocities on the Rohingyas, she added.

Deputy Assistant to the US President and Senior Director for South and Central Asia at the National Security Council in the White House Lisa Curtis is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on Friday on a three-day visit. Lisa will also visit Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar, said Marcia.

UK FOR STRONG DEMOCRACY IN BANGLADESH

Meanwhile, at a different programme yesterday, British High Commissioner in Dhaka Alison Blake laid emphasis on having a strong democracy.

Blake said one of the things they strongly believe in is democracy with free, fair, participatory and inclusive elections, reports UNB. The High Commissioner said this is the best way forward for a future with prosperity, stability and creating a society in which everyone has a stake and voice.