US congressmen write letter urging free, fair polls in Bangladesh

Two senior US congressmen, Joe Wilson and Neal Dunn, have written a letter to the co-chair of the Congressional Bangladesh Caucus, Marco Rubio, urging the US State Department to ensure Bangladesh's upcoming general election and referendum on February 12 are free, fair, and safe.

In their letter dated Tuesday, November 27, they described the election as "critically important for Bangladesh's future." They stated that it presents voters with a crucial opportunity to express their will and shape the country's future, and called it a chance for positive progress following reforms by the interim government.

The congressmen asked the State Department to coordinate with the interim government to provide necessary support for a credible vote. They noted the election's credibility is vital, marking the first vote since the 2024 mass uprising, a period which, according to the UN human rights office, saw over 1,400 people killed by security forces.

Expressing concern over Bangladesh's current fragile and volatile state, which they believe increases the risk of targeted violence, they cited recent incidents including the killing of a pro-democracy leader. They argued that a credible election could be a major opportunity to break a cycle of violence and vengeance and help build a government respectful of the rule of law.

The congressmen requested the State Department brief them on its actions and keep their offices informed.