The chairman of the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Senator Robert Menendez, has written to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, urging them to begin negotiations on holding a fresh election that will be free, fair, peaceful and inclusive. In identical letters to both the leaders dated January 8, the influential US Senator condemned the violence in the run-up to the election and on the polling day, saying political parties must have space to express their views peacefully. “I am writing to express my concern about the ongoing political stalemate in Bangladesh and urge you to work with your counterpart to develop a mutually agreed upon path forward for your country,” said Senator Menendez in his letters, written just three days after the election that was boycotted by the BNP and several other parties.
“The current political stalemate could destabilise the country and have long-term negative implications for the democratic process and economic prospects for Bangladesh,” he said.
“The people of Bangladesh deserve a durable, transparent and credible political process through which they can choose their future leaders,” he added.
Strongly condemning the violence and unrest during the pre-election period and on the polling day, the Senator said: “Under no circumstances is violence an acceptable and legitimate expression of political views.
The street violence must stop immediately and parties must have political space to peacefully express their views.” Describing Bangladesh as a valued partner of the US, he said: “Bilateral trade between our countries now tops USD 6 billion annually, and US companies have made significant long-term investments in Bangladesh.” “The ongoing political deadlock has had serious economic consequences and will further weaken the confidence of international investors. To end this downward spiral, I strongly urge you to begin negotiations on a new election that is free, fair, peaceful and inclusive,” the Senator said.
He also said: “US relations with the people of Bangladesh have never been stronger and we partner on an increasingly wide array of common interests. But the current political deadlock and the associated violence significantly threaten our common achievements and the potential for continued progress on a range of issues, such as counter-terrorism and counter-piracy, the mitigation of natural disasters, poverty alleviation and food security.”
“As a strong supporter of our important bilateral relationship, I again urge renewed negotiations that will lead to a free, fair, peaceful and inclusive election and an immediate end to politically motivated violence,” said Senator Menendez. “The world is watching Bangladesh,” he added.
The Senator also touched upon the issue relating to labour conditions, saying: “While some progress has been made on fire and building safety, much more remains to be done and I still have serious concerns regarding the working environment.” “I trust that you share my support for the rights of workers in Bangladesh. During this tenuous period, I urge you to publicly endorse the commitments to worker safety and labour rights embodied in the Generalised System of Preferences Action Plan and work closely with the United States and the international community to empower workers and bolster the confidence of international investors and consumers in Bangladesh’s garment sector,” he added.
Courtesy of The Independent
