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US Ambassador in Dhaka Peter Haas on Thursday reiterated that the US does not support any particular political party but supports the democratic process that will allow the people of Bangladesh to choose their next government, reports UNB.
He said, "We believe everyone has a role to play, making sure that elections are free, fair and peaceful.”
Peter Haas told reporters after his meeting with the Awami League delegation led by its General Secretary Obaidul Quader at Awami League central office on Bangabandhu Avenue in the capital.
The Ambassador said the government, media, judiciary, political parties, civil society, security forces, and of course, voters each have a role in the democratic process.
On the question regarding the adamant stance of both Awami League and BNP over the issue of caretaker government, Peter Haas said the US has no position whatsoever on that issue.
Responding to a question on whether the US is being more aligned with the BNP, Ambassador Haas said, "It's a weird question when I’m sitting at the Awami League headquarters. No, we meet with all political parties. We do not play favourites. I meet with both Awami League leaders and activists and ministers who are also part of it. There’s no preference; we meet people from all parts of society equally, and we do not play favourites."
"I’ve met other political parties. I regularly visit media outlets, I speak frequently with civil society and interact with the police and security forces. And this is all part of what I do as the American ambassador," he continued.
And these are US policies that we support a free, fair and peaceful election with no violence on the part of anyone, Haas said.
Awami League Presidium Member Muhammad Faruk Khan, International Affairs Secretary Shammi Ahmed, Information and Research Secretary Selim Mahmud, Office Secretary Biplab Barua and Executive Member Mohammad Ali Arafat were also present at the time.
Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul
