US supports process, not any party in Bangladesh election: Alice Wells

The US administration does not support any political party in Bangladesh as it wants to see a "free, fair, credible and participatory" election for the future success" of the country, a State Department official says.

“We don't support any party,” Alice Wells, principal deputy assistant secretary of the US State Department, told reporters in Dhaka on Monday

Her comments came as there is a perception that the US Embassy here in Dhaka is encouraging the Kamal Hossain-led group to participate in the election process.

“With a dynamic and fast-growing economy, Bangladesh's future success will be fuelled by a strengthening of its democratic institutions and governing structures,” she said.

“We continue to call on the government to protect fundamental civil liberties -- especially freedom of speech and press -- and fulfil its commitment to hold free, fair, credible and participatory elections that reflect the will of the Bangladeshi people.”

The US administration did not find the last general election credible as it was boycotted by major opposition BNP.

During her three-day visit, she also went to Cox's Bazar to visit Rohingya camps.

Wells thanked the Bangladesh government for its 'generosity' during the humanitarian crisis and called upon Myanmar to create conditions for the 'voluntary' return of the Rohingyas.

She said Bangladesh is 'critical' to the US in many ways. "We enjoy a robust trade and investment relationship, close cooperation on counterterrorism and peacekeeping, a strong development partnership, and extensive people-to-people ties."

She said Bangladesh is also 'central' to the administration's Indo-Pacific strategy. "Bangladesh is very much aligned in our visions for a free, open, rules-based and interconnected region.”

In recognition of Bangladesh’s valuable role in supporting the Indo-Pacific strategy, the US administration recently announced $40 million in foreign military financing.

That will be used, she said, to enhance Bangladesh's coastal radar system, modernise, and enhance its patrol boat fleet, and provide training in support of expanded maritime interdiction – “all part of our Bay of Bengal initiative”.

The State Department principal deputy assistant secretary said Bangladesh also has potential "to serve as a regional hub for trade and commerce between South and South East Asia and as an anchor for stability and prosperity in the Bay of Bengal region".