Bangladesh to clean up elections as US steps in

Bangladesh will take steps to tackle and prevent unlawful practices or interference in its elections, authorities said yesterday, a day after the US threatened curbs on citizens of the South Asian nation who undermine them.

Concern flared after accusations of vote-rigging and the targeting of the political opposition marred national elections in 2014 and 2018, charges denied by the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Visa restrictions

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said the US is adopting a new policy to restrict visas for Bangladeshis who undermine the election process at home.

“The government apparatus will take necessary measures to prevent and address any unlawful practices or interference ...to compromise the smooth and participatory conduct of the elections,” the Bangladesh foreign ministry said.

“The electoral process will remain under strict vigilance, including by international observers as accredited by the Election Commission,” it added.

Action welcomed

The commission retains the ability to perform its functions in full independence, credibility and efficiency, the ministry said.

Political analyst Badiul Alam Majumder welcomed the US curbs. “I see this restriction as a preventive measure,” he added. “This could avert efforts by individuals to rig elections in their favour.”

Hasina, who came to power in 2009, has been accused of human rights violations, obliteration of press freedom, suppression of dissent and the jailing of critics, including many supporters of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).