Diplomatic Correspondent

Amid the escalating political tension and with the Election Commission expected to announce the election schedules within days, the US has called on all political parties to engage in unconditional dialogue.

It has also reiterated that it wants free, fair, and peaceful elections in Bangladesh.

The spokesperson for the US embassy in Dhaka said on Monday the ambassador had requested meetings with senior officials in all three major political parties to underscore the US position regarding the upcoming elections.

He said the US wants free and fair elections conducted in a peaceful manner and calls on all sides to eschew violence and exercise restraint.

Besides, he said the US does not favour any political party over the other and urges all sides to engage in dialogue without preconditions.

Moreover, he said the US would continue to implement their 3C policy in an even-handed manner against those who undermine the democratic election process.

In May, the US announced a new visa policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) (“3C”) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to support Bangladesh’s goal of holding free, fair, and peaceful national elections.

Under this policy, the US will be able to restrict the issuance of visas for any Bangladeshi individual, believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.

As part of meeting officials of the three major parties, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Monday held the first meeting with Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader at the latter’s office in the capital’s Banani.

The meeting, which began at 3pm, lasted around 40 minutes. Jatiya Party Secretary General Mujibul Haque Chunnu, Co-Chairman Kazi Firoz Rashid, and Adviser to the party chairman Masroor Mawla also attended the meeting.

At the meeting, Haas conveyed the US position on Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections. He also handed the Jatiya Party chairman a letter written by US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu.

After the meeting, Mujibul told journalists Lu’s letter said the US expects free, fair, impartial, and participatory elections in Bangladesh.

“The letter has also called on parties to hold dialogue without conditions. The US envoy said similar letters had been written to the Awami League and the BNP.”

Mujibul further said the letter mentions three main points.

“First, the US wants to see free, fair, and participatory elections in Bangladesh. Second, there should be unconditional dialogue. Finally, the letter reiterated the US visa policy adopted to ensure free and fair polls,” he added.

Political sources said Haas is seeking meeting schedules with leaders of the Awami League and the BNP to hand over the letters.