Dhaka: The United States wants Bangladesh to fulfill its commitment to have a ‘free, fair, participatory and credible national election in the country making sure that ‘people’s choice’ is reflected in the final result.

‘The government of Bangladesh has committed to holding free, fair, participatory and credible elections that reflect the will of Bangladeshi people. We look to the government to fulfill this commitment,’ said US Ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Bernicat on Thursday, reports the UNB.

She was talking to diplomatic correspondents in DCAB Talk at the Jatiya Press Club. DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus and General Secretary Mahfuzur Rahman Mishu also spoke on the occasion.

Ambassador Bernicat commended the holding of elections to Khulna and Gazipur city corporations but expressed concern by reports of election ‘irregularities, including ballot box stuffing, intimidation’ of political players, polling agents before the end of voting.

She also expressed concern about the reports of police harassment and arrest of opposition polling agents but expressed satisfaction over the lower level of violence.

‘This is very encouraging,’ Bernicat said about wider participation of political parties in the polls with lower level of violence.

Recalling good elections held in Bangladesh in the past, she said, ‘You have laws to create fair conditions and you have the know-how to hold fair elections.’

Bernicat said Bangladesh needs a political environment that promotes tolerance, human rights, and supports the democratic process that allows all the citizens to have a strong, peaceful voice in their own future.

‘Freedom of expression, vibrant media, the right to peaceful assembly, including demonstrations, and free, fair, participatory and credible elections are vital for continuous and stable growth of Bangladesh,’ she said adding that there is no trade on between the two.

Responding to a question, Bernicat said in some ways municipal elections are leading indicators of what the general election look like.

‘The government has pledged to have free, fair, and participatory and credible elections. It matters to us as a fellow democracy that you have good elections,’ she said.

The US Ambassador, who came to Dhaka three years back, also said what really matters to them is that the people of Bangladesh believe those elections were fair.

‘If you don’t believe that your voice was properly heard that you have the opportunity to voice your choice,’ she said sharing things on how a democracy survives and thrives in a country.

Bernicat said Bangladeshis earned that right, they fought for that right and they died for that right in 1971 which should never be taken away.

She said the US will continue to cheer on the successes related to previous elections and will continue to urge to address the concern of irregularities.

Bernicat said they want to see nobody is worried about that their voices will be heard and their choices are reflected on the final results.

The envoy said Bangladesh and the US are built on the same democratic principles and foundations. ‘This is what makes both of our countries strong.’

Bernicat said a strong Bangladesh is crucial to the stability of Indo-Pacific region and US’ Indo-Pacific strategy aims at building more stable and prosperous region where sovereignty is upheld.

She also said the US has partnered with Bangladesh to promote peace and stability in the South Asia.

On cooperation in the areas of countering terrorism and violent extremism, the US Ambassador said US is committed to working with Bangladesh for safety and security of the people of the two countries. ‘This is a global issue and it requires a coordinated global response.’