Disappointed with delay by Bangladesh in issuing visas to election: US
Washington, Dec 22 (IBNS): The United States on Friday said it is disappointed by the Government of Bangladesh’s 'inability' to grant credentials and issue visas to a group of international observers within the 'timeframe necessary' for monitoring the upcoming general polls in the country.
In a statement, the US State Department said: " The United States is disappointed by the Government of Bangladesh’s inability to grant credentials and issue visas within the timeframe necessary to conduct a credible international monitoring mission to the majority of international election monitors from the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL), which the United States funded through the National Democratic Institute."
The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) is a leading regional network in Asia working on the promotion of democratic elections.
As per the official website, formed in 1997, ANFREL was organized as a solidarity movement working to advance the cause of free and fair elections. At present, it has 26 members from 16 Asian countries.
"As a result, ANFREL was forced to cancel its observation mission for the December 30 national election," the US State Department said in a statement.
"The lack of an international observation mission makes it even more important for the Government of Bangladesh to complete the accreditation of all the local NGOs that constitute the Election Working Group, which includes some funded by USAID, so they can conduct the vital work of monitoring the election," it said.
"In the lead up to any democratic election there must be space for peaceful expression and assembly; for independent media to do its job covering electoral developments; for participants to have access to information; and for all individuals to be able to partake in the electoral process without harassment, intimidation, or violence," it said.
U.S. is disappointed by Government of #Bangladesh’s inability to grant credentials & issue visas within the timeframe necessary to conduct a credible international monitoring mission to the majority of international election monitors from @ANFREL, which U.S. funded through @NDI. pic.twitter.com/FYEqjAY5sI
— Robert Palladino (@StateDeputySPOX) December 21, 2018
The Statement further said: "We encourage the Government of Bangladesh to uphold its commitment to a democratic process by ensuring all Bangladeshis are free to peacefully express themselves and participate in December 30 election."
Bangladesh will vote to elect a new Prime Minister on Dec 30.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League is aiming to come to power for the third time in succession.
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