Dastogir Jahangir, Editor, TheVoice.News
Washington, D.C., May 14, 2025
The U.S. State Department has voiced concern over recent political developments in Bangladesh, where the interim government has reportedly banned the country’s largest political party, the Awami League, from all political activities pending a special tribunal verdict.
During a press briefing, State Department spokesperson Mr. Matthew Pigott addressed questions regarding the controversial move. Dastogir Jahangir, Editor of the U.S.-based news outlet TheVoice.News, asked, “How does the U.S. State Department view the Bangladesh interim government’s ordinance banning all activities of the Awami League—effectively erasing its political identity and barring it from future elections? I just want to note that in a previous briefing, Tammy emphasized the importance of inclusive elections and democracy in Bangladesh. Now that this party has been banned from all political activities, what is your concern on that?”
Mr. Pigott responded,
“We are aware that the interim government has banned the Awami League from all political activities until a special tribunal for the party and its leaders concludes. We do not support any one political party in Bangladesh over another. We support a free and democratic process as well as fair and transparent legal proceedings for all individuals.”
Reiterating the U.S. commitment to democratic principles, he added, “We urge all countries, including Bangladesh, to respect fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.”
In a follow-up question, concerns were raised regarding alleged meetings between Dr. Asif Nazrul, a legal advisor to the Bangladeshi interim government, and Harun Izhar, who is reportedly linked to the militant group Lashkar-e-Tayyiba. The meeting, allegedly held at a government ministry, has sparked fears of growing support for extremist ideologies.
While the State Department did not confirm or comment directly on the alleged meeting, the implication of ties between government advisors and extremist groups may intensify international scrutiny of the interim government’s actions ahead of possible national elections.
These developments unfold amid rising global pressure on Bangladesh to ensure an inclusive and transparent democratic process. U.S. officials have repeatedly emphasized the importance of free and fair elections that include participation from all major political parties.
As tensions mount, the international community is expected to closely monitor Bangladesh’s political trajectory in the coming weeks.
