Admiral John Kirby, the Director of Strategic Communications at the National Security Council (NSC), has informed the White House that President Joe Biden is aware of the letter written by six Congressmen about the swift action needed against the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh regarding flawed elections. He further stated that the United States remains steadfast in its position to ensure free and fair elections in the upcoming national elections in Bangladesh.
During a press briefing at the White House on Monday, led by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, it was mentioned that the letter from the six Congressmen highlighted the strict condemnation against specific individuals associated with the government of Sheikh Hasina and called for urgent steps to be taken to address human rights violations in Bangladesh and ensure free and fair elections. President Biden was also urged to stand by the people of Bangladesh in their quest for unhindered and impartial elections.
Regarding the letter from the six Congressmen, Admiral Kirby stated, “We remain unchanged in our position. I am aware of this communication (the letter being sent).”
He further mentioned, “The United States maintains its unwavering stance in favor of undisturbed and fair elections in Bangladesh. To emphasize this position, the State Department has recently announced a new visa policy with regard to individuals obstructing the democratic election process by imposing visa restrictions.”
In a press briefing, journalist Mushfiqul Fazal Ansari of Bangladesh wants to know about the letter from the Congressmen to the White House, urging President Biden to take immediate action against the human rights violations by the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and to ensure fair parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. What is your reaction to the letter recently written by lawmakers to the President?
In response, Admiral Kirby said, “We remain steadfast in our position. I am aware of this communication (the letter being sent).”
He further stated, “The United States maintains its unwavering stance in favor of undisturbed and fair elections in Bangladesh. To make that position clear, the State Department has announced a new visa policy that includes visa restrictions on those who obstruct Bangladesh’s national elections, aiming to ensure unhindered, fair, and peaceful elections.”
It is worth mentioning that in a letter written on May 17th to President Joe Biden, six Congressmen urged for swift action against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh for human rights violations. They highlighted the need for immediate measures to ensure that the people of Bangladesh have the opportunity to participate in undisturbed and fair national elections. Although the Bangladeshi government initially dismissed the letter as “baseless,” later there was a discussion on the contents of the letter.
