UN, US, UK critical of Bangladesh polls

With Bangladesh all set to see the newly-elected candidates take oath on Thursday, the UN, the US and the UK have expressed negative observations on the country’s 12th general election held on Sunday. 

However, many countries, including India, China and Russia, have already congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on retaining power and a section of election observers have stated they are satisfied with the voting. 

Additionally, the envoys of Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Argentina, Indonesia, Republic of Korea and OIC members countries that include Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Egypt, Algeria, Kuwait, Libya, Iran, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Palestine, Morocco, Pakistan met the premier at her official residence Ganabhaban in Dhaka today.

Ruling Awami League and 27 other registered parties contested the election which was already boycotted by BNP and like-minded political parties when its schedule was announced on November 15. 

The UN said it was monitoring the situation in Bangladesh following the parliamentary election and has condemned the violence before and after the polls.

Meanwhile, the US said the January 7 national elections were not "free and fair", while the UK stated that the polls failed to meet the standards required of a democracy.

It comes as the Awami League won the fourth straight term in a landslide victory in the much-hyped election which has been at the heart of not only local media for months but also in the global arena for the last few weeks

Marred by sporadic violence with reports of ballot stuffing in many areas, the election saw a 41.8% voter turnout.

What exactly the UN said

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on all parties to reject all forms of violence and to ensure that human rights and the rule of law are fully respected in Bangladesh.

"This is essential for the consolidation of democracy and economic prosperity there. So that‍‍`s what I can tell you on that," Associate Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Florencia Soto Niño, said at a regular media briefing in New York on January 8.

The associate spokesperson said they have seen the situation that is unfolding in Bangladesh.

"The Secretary-General continues to follow what‍‍`s happening. He notes the opposition’s decision to boycott the elections," Florencia said.

The UN chief has also noted all the allegations of the stifling of dissenting and critical voices and arrest of opposition leaders.

"He‍‍`s obviously concerned about reports of incidents of violence prior to, and during the election," said the associate spokesperson.

He reiterated it is essential that the Bangladesh government foster an environment of democracy. "Reject all forms of violence, and obviously ensure that human rights are respected there."

US’ observations

"The United States shares the view with other observers that these elections were not free or fair and we regret that not all parties participated," said the State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller in a statement early today.

He said the US notes the Awami League party won a majority of seats in the parliamentary elections, but remains concerned by the arrests of thousands of political opposition members and by reports of irregularities on the election day.

Washington also condemned the violence that took place during the elections and in the months leading up to it.

"We encourage the Government of Bangladesh to credibly investigate reports of violence and to hold perpetrators accountable. We also urge all political parties to reject violence," Miller said.

The US supports the people of Bangladesh and their aspirations for democracy, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression.

"Looking ahead, the United States remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to deepening our people-to-people and economic ties," Matthew Miller said.

The US had been calling for holding free, fair and peaceful elections. The Biden Administration also imposed sanctions against Rapid Action Battalion and seven of its members in December 2021, and then announced a visa policy for Bangladesh last year, saying that those undermining democratic elections will face visa restrictions.

Negative remarks by the UK

The UK’s foreign office said in a statement on Monday that it shared a ‘deep and historic friendship’ with Bangladesh and would continue to support a process that would create conditions for sustainable political settlement and active civil society.

“Democratic elections depend on credible, open, and fair competition,” it said.

“Respect for human rights, rule of law and due process are essential elements of the democratic process. These standards were not consistently met during the election period. We are concerned at the significant number of arrests of opposition party members before polling day.”

The statement also condemned intimidation and violence that occurred before and during the campaign, saying it had no place in politics.

The UK noted the boycott by many opposition parties.

“Not all political parties took part in the elections. The Bangladeshi people did not therefore have the fullest range of voting options.”

However, the foreign office said it would continue to encourage all political parties to chart a path forward together.

“The United Kingdom and Bangladesh share a deep and historic friendship. Creating the conditions for a sustainable political settlement and vibrant civil society will enable long-term growth. We encourage all political parties to address their differences and find a common way forward in the interests of the people of Bangladesh. We will continue to support this process.”

BNP and its allies, who boycotted the polls, have already started demanding a re-election under a neutral and non-partisan government.