The United States has said that it supports a free and fair general election in Bangladesh, one that reflects the will of the people. The US Department of State principal deputy spokesperson, Vedant Patel, made the remark in response to a question at a regular media briefing in Washington DC on Thursday.
When asked whether the US supported an unelected caretaker government before the next general election, as demanded by the opposition political parties, Patel said that the US does not support a particular government, political party, or candidate in any country. He said that the US goal is for elections to take place in a free and fair way that respects the will of the people of the country.
Patel also praised the Bangladesh government’s zero-tolerance policy in combating terrorism and radicalism, saying that it contributes positively to the counterterrorism effort and national interest of the US. He said that the US is looking to continue to deepen its relationships and partnerships with Bangladesh in a number of areas, including trade, climate cooperation, and security cooperation.