Zakir Hossain from Dhaka
The US does not support any political party, politician or election outcome in Bangladesh but expects free and fair elections in an atmosphere of peace and security early next year, US Chargé d’ Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson said on Monday.
“The US embassy or the US government does not support any particular party… we do meet political parties to understand their platforms and their goals. We do not support any particular politician… and we do not support any particular outcome. That is for the people of Bangladesh to decide and we wish you all the best in doing it,” Jacobson told reporters after meeting Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban.
She said she came to the Election Commission “to listen, learn and understand as there are so many rumours and conspiracy theories out there.” Stressing clarity on Washington’s stance, Jacobson added, “The US supports the interim government led by Professor Yunus and the Central Election Commission in charting a pathway to free and fair elections early next year.”
“We hope those elections will happen in an atmosphere of peace and security and… lead to a successful democratic government that will represent the aspirations and dreams of the Bangladeshi people,” she said. Jacobson led a three-member US delegation, which included David Moo, Political Chief at the embassy, and Firoze Ahmed, Political Specialist.