NEW YORK (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 22nd December, 2018) The United States urges the government of Bangladesh to issue accreditation to all the local non-governmental organizations (NGO) committed to a free and fair election in the country, US Department of State Deputy Spokesman Robert Palladino said in a statement.
"The lack of an international observation mission makes it even more important for the Government of Bangladesh to complete the accreditation of all the local NGOs that constitute the Election Working Group, which includes some funded by USAID [United States Agency for International Development], so they can conduct the vital work of monitoring the election," Palladino said on Friday.
The statement was issued amid the announcement that only six of the 32 Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) members were provided approval from the government of Bangladesh to conduct international monitoring of the December 30 national election.
Palladino added that the country's government should comply with a democratic election process and ensure that all individuals will be able to participate in the election without harassment, intimidation and violence.
About 40,000 polling stations will be opened throughout the country on Election Day, and more than 600,000 police officers will be engaged in ensuring security during the vote, according to the Chief Election Commissioner of Bangladesh representative. The Ministry of Defense of Bangladesh has already confirmed its readiness to strengthen civilian law enforcement agencies by involving ground forces.
The Awami League Party is the current ruling party with the majority of seats in parliament led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In November, Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which boycotted the last election in 2014, together with other opposition parties, confirmed its participation in the upcoming election.
