MM Rahmatullah: US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya today said she has witnessed Dhaka`s strong commitment to hold free, fair and peaceful elections while Washington doesn`t have involvement in dialogues among political parties in Bangladesh.

"I`ve heard a strong commitment from the (Bangladesh`s) honorable Prime Minister and all of the government ministers with whom I`ve had the pleasure to meet today in support of free and fair and peaceful elections," she told reporters after holding a meeting with foreign secretary Masud Bin Momen at State Guest House Padma in the capital.

The Under Secretary said the US, as part of its global human rights policy, supports free, fair and peaceful elections and "We want to do our part as a longtime partner of Bangladesh to help make this possible".

In replying to a question about whether the US suggests a dialogue among the political parties here regarding the election issues, she said, Washington doesn`t have any "direct involvement" in this.

Zeya said it is a matter of Bangladesh to decide regarding the "timetable" of the elections.

Commenting on yesterday`s Awami League and BNP`s rallies, she said, "We witnessed large political rallies, thankfully, free of serious violence, and I think this is a good harbinger that we would like to see replicated".

Mentioning that the US delegation came here in recognition of the importance of the US partnership with Bangladesh, she underscored Washington`s desire to deepen that partnership in support of the US`s vision of a free and open Indo Pacific, which is "More resilient, more connected, more secure".

"I think we`ve had constructive, productive and engaging discussions," she added.

She said they discussed the need for free and fair elections, the ability of journalists to report without fear of retaliation or intimidation, collaboration to combat trafficking in persons, and the vital role that civil society plays in democracies advancing respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedoms of expression and association.

"A prosperous future (of Bangladesh) depends on strong democratic institutions, and the broad participation of Bangladeshis in elections and the governance of their country," she observed.

The under Secretary said the US looks forward to deepening its engagement with Bangladesh over the next 50 years while its cooperation on climate change, development, economy, humanitarian assistance and security shows the range of Washington`s strong partnership and future potential.
Regarding the Rohingya crisis, she said, the US supports efforts to create the conditions for the eventual safe, dignified, informed and voluntary return of Rohingyas, which do not currently exist.

"I am proud to announce that the United States is providing more than 74 million dollars in additional funding to support humanitarian response efforts in Burma (Myanmar) and Bangladesh.
The additional funding included nearly 61 million US dollars to support Rohingya internally displaced in Burma, as well as Rohingyas living here in Bangladesh, and Bangladeshi host community members, she added.

The Under Secretary also expressed US gratitude to Bangladesh for hosting nearly a million Rohingyas.
US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia Donald Lu and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas were present from the US side.

US Under Secretary Uzra Zeya also met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina this morning. BSS