Distinguished Professor Dr. Ali Riaz has been quoted in a news report in Nikkei Asia on the visit of the United States Department delegation team to Bangladesh regarding the country’s upcoming election. A delegation team led by Uzra Zeya, a undersecretary for democracy and human rights, and visits Dhaka amid a growing tension between the government of Sheikh Hasina and the opposition parties. The incumbent insists on holding the next election under its supervision while the opposition is demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister and holding election under a neutral government.
“I am hoping that the [U.S.] delegation will be able to suggest the way forward, and the potential consequences if the democratic backsliding continues,” he said. “It is necessary to conduct an election under a government which has no stake in the election. The incumbent is hellbent on winning at any cost rather than ensuring that people’s voices are heard.”
The United States announced a new visa policy in May for Bangladeshis which would enable the United States to deny visa to those who obstruct holding a free and fair election. The new policy is applicable to government officials and private citizens.
