AL, BNP, Japa leaders hold meeting with US Congressmen

The ruling party Awami League, opposition BNP and Jatiya Party (JaPa) leaders held a meeting with two visiting US congressmen on Sunday. The meeting was held at US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas’s Gulshan residence, Dhaka.

The meeting, which was scheduled from 4pm to 5.30pm, was attended by the mid-level leaders of the parties. The Awami League delegation included its Finance and Planning Affairs Secretary Waseqa Ayesha Khan, Shariatpur-3 MP Nahim Razzaq and reserved constituency MP Tamanna Nusrat Bubly.

BNP Publicity Secretary Shaheed Uddin Chowdhury Annie was part of the delegation. The JaPa delegation included three MPs Sharifa Quader, Rana Mohammad Sohail and Nazma Akter.

Congressman McCormick from Georgia and Ed Case from Hawaii were present at the meeting. On behalf of BNP, Annie said: "Under the present government, the election will not be free, fair and impartial. " He also highlighted the party's position and said: “We will not go to the polls without a caretaker government.”

Furthermore, he also alleged that the country is ruled by one person. At that time, the Awami League opposed the caretaker government and said it is not possible to keep any provision in conflict with the constitution.

During the meeting, Congressman Ed Case told the Awami League delegation: "Free, fair and credible elections should be conducted not only in your country but also across the world." In response, Awami League leaders invited them to serve as election observers.

The Awami League leaders also highlighted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's dedication to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections. “The government has strengthened the Election Commission through the law,” they added.

Bangladesh holds crucial importance in the Indo-Pacific region owing to its strategic geographical location. Additionally, the country's sizable population and pursuit of democratic governance make it a unique case worldwide. In this context, the United States aims to support and sustain a democratic environment in Bangladesh.

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