Spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasizes the US stance on holding a free and fair elections in Bangladesh

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller has said his country does not have any inclination to any particular political party in Bangladesh, rather they support a genuine democratic process of Bangladesh.

Matthew Miller made the remark on free, fair and participatory elections in Bangladesh at the State Department's regular briefing on Monday.

In response to a question regarding the criticism of Russia, China and Iran on the US' stance on Bangladesh elections, he said: "I would like to remind you that Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has repeatedly stated her commitment to free and fair elections. It's a desire that we share as a friend and partner of Bangladesh for over 50 years.  We do not support one political party over the other; we support a genuine democratic process.”

In this regard, he said: "In response to another question earlier, we don't consider it interference in internal affairs when other countries raise our elections process with us.  We welcome those discussions as an opportunity to strengthen our democracy, and we don't know why any other countries would object.

On US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya visit to Bangladesh, Miller said: “She will meet with senior government officials to discuss shared humanitarian concerns, including the Rohingya refugee crisis, labor issues, human rights, free and fair elections, and combating trafficking in persons. She will also engage with civil society leaders on freedom of expression and association, human labor rights – inclusive of vulnerable groups – and governance and democracy.”