Big test for democracy. In response to the question, John Kirby, coordinator of strategic communications of the White House’s National Security Council, said that the United States wants to see a free and fair election in Bangladesh. But the United States does not take sides.
A report published by India Today analysed, while India and China are in the same camp supporting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the United States is seen standing by Khaleda Zia.
In a press briefing on December 6, White House spokesman John Kirby was asked whether India, China and Russia were ‘on the same side’ to support the current government of Bangladesh. There is, so what is the position of the United States to take the necessary steps to hold free, fair and credible elections in Bangladesh?
In response, John Kirby said, We believe in a free and fair election in Bangladesh and we will continue to do so. We do not take sides in foreign elections and that will not change in the case of Bangladesh. We support a free and fair election. We will continue to do whatever we can to support that basic desire of the people of Bangladesh.
India Today reports that the January elections are being seen as a major test for Bangladesh’s democracy. The election results could have huge implications for India. While both India and the US have spoken of supporting a stable Bangladesh, the world’s two largest democracies seem to be on opposite sides. New Delhi is believed to be supporting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League. And Washington has announced that anyone who undermines Bangladesh’s democratic election process will face visa bans.
The report also said that on the one hand, the tension between the United States and Bangladesh is increasing. While Washington is trying to pressure Dhaka for free and fair elections by threatening visa bans, India is worried about the return of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat government. All eyes are now on January 7 elections in Bangladesh.
Big test for democracy
Big test for democracy Big test for democracy
