What Are Those Countries Saying About Bangladesh Now

Western nations that once called for free, fair, and participatory national elections in Bangladesh are now emphasizing only “free and fair” polls, carefully omitting the word “participatory.” In contrast, India is now expressing hope for an election that is not only free and fair but also participatory and inclusive. Ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, the positions of India and Western countries appear to differ from their earlier stances during the 10th, 11th, and 12th elections.

India viewed the January 5, 2014, 10th parliamentary election as a constitutional necessity, while Western countries deemed it neither free nor fair due to the BNP’s boycott. The divergence between Eastern and Western assessments continued through the 11th and 12th elections.

During the previous Awami League government, despite criticism from Western countries over electoral issues, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that various nations had sent congratulatory messages following the 12th election.

Ministers of the Awami League government had argued that elections were Bangladesh’s internal matter and that political parties’ participation or boycott was their own decision. Now, under the interim government’s executive order, the Awami League’s activities have been banned. Diplomats have declined to comment on whether avoiding the term “inclusive” is a way to sidestep the Awami League issue, calling it a sensitive matter.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated on October 24 that there is no domestic or foreign pressure to bring the Awami League into the election.

Western nations are strongly supporting the interim government’s reform initiatives while emphasizing accountability for serious human rights violations. Diplomats suggest their core stance remains unchanged, viewing Bangladesh as undergoing a period of transition.

Diplomatic missions continue to monitor the country’s situation and reform progress. Following mass protests on August 5 last year, the Awami League government fell, and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took refuge in India. Bangladesh requested her return, but India has yet to respond.

Indian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reaffirmed that India wants free, fair, inclusive, and participatory elections in Bangladesh. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that India is ready to work with any government formed through the people’s mandate.

According to UNB, when asked about the possibility of an election without a major party, Misri said he would not interfere in Bangladesh’s internal decisions, noting that legitimacy depends not only on domestic but also on international perceptions.

The United States remains a strong supporter of reform efforts in Bangladesh. After the 2008 election, it expressed hope that reforms would continue. The US Embassy, currently led by Chargé d’Affaires Tracy Ann Jacobson, reiterated support for Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s reform and consensus-building initiatives.

US Ambassador-designate Brent Christensen described Bangladesh as being at a critical juncture, calling the upcoming election “the most important in decades.”

The European Union plans to send a full-scale election observation mission to Bangladesh for the first time in 17 years. EU Ambassador Michael Miller met with Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus to discuss democratic transition, election preparedness, and human rights cooperation.

Canada has voiced support for a peaceful transition through free, fair, inclusive, and participatory elections, while the UK has encouraged free, fair, credible, and peaceful polls. France called for truly democratic elections; Germany emphasized the need for a credible, multi-party vote; and Australia reaffirmed support for Bangladesh’s commitment to democratic elections.

China stressed that without free and peaceful elections, the country’s stability and economic recovery could be jeopardized. Ambassador Yao Wen expressed hope for a peaceful power transfer in February that would reflect the people’s will.

The United Nations has investigated last year’s human rights violations and urged accountability. Six international human rights organizations called for lifting the ban on the Awami League. In response, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain said the government cannot accept everything but considers human rights concerns seriously.

Former Ambassador M. Humayun Kabir observed that while Western countries emphasize people’s participation, India’s reference to inclusivity may specifically imply Awami League’s participation. He added that the global community generally wants a fair, fear-free election that truly reflects the will of the people.

khaborwala/TSN