US concerned over polls environment in Bangladesh

Staff Correspondent: The United States has expressed concerns over the acts of violence during the 11th general election in Bangladesh.

US Ambassador Earl Robert Miller told this to the reporters after emerging from a meeting with Chief Election Commission (CEC) KM Nurul Huda at the commission office in Agargaon area of Dhaka on Thursday afternoon.

Following the high-level of pre-election violence over the last two weeks, the newly appointed ambassador also called upon the Election Commission to take measures in this regard.

He said, “All parties have been victims of violence including minorities and female candidates. However, it appears that the opposition candidates had borne the brunt of most violence.”

US ambassador also appreciated the opportunity to consult with the commission to see what plans it has made for a conducive atmosphere which would allow all people of every political affiliation to feel safe to go to the polling stations on the election day and cast their votes for their candidates of choice.

US wishes a free, fair and peaceful election will be held in Bangladesh on December 30, he added.

risingbd/Dhaka/December 27, 2018/Hasibul/AKA