US urges for level playing field for city polls

DHAKA, April 22 (NsNewsWire) — The United States has urged the Bangladeshi law enforcers to to permit free expression and association during the election campaign, to protect candidates against political violence, and to prosecute those who violate the law.

Marie Harf, spokesperson to U.S. Department of State in April 21 daily press briefing, said, “I think the embassy has put out a statement on this as well, but I can gist it for you: that we deplore the political violence surrounding municipal elections in Dhaka – that’s what this specific statement was about – condemn in the strongest terms the use of violence for political objectives.  And we’ve called on everyone involved in the municipal elections to uphold their responsibility to ensure the elections are free, fair, and nonviolent.  We’ve also urged the security forces to permit free expression and association during the election campaign, to protect candidates against political violence, and to prosecute those who violate the law. I think I just said what we have to say on this.  I don’t have much else for you.”