In a press briefing at the U.S. State Department, journalist Dastagir Jahangir raised concerns about Bangladesh’s political future following the interim government’s recent ordinance banning all activities of the Awami League, the country’s largest democratic political party.
In response, Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated, “The U.S. government is aware of the interim government’s actions and urges transparency and democracy in Bangladesh. We support free and democratic processes, transparent legal proceedings, and the protection of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly for all individuals.”
The ban on the Awami League follows the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid widespread unrest. The interim administration, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, cited national security and legal investigations as reasons for the ban. The Election Commission has also suspended the party’s registration, effectively barring it from participating in upcoming elections.
Pigott emphasized that the U.S. does not support any political party over another but stands firmly for inclusive democratic practices. “We want to see freedom for all and a political environment where every voice can be heard,” he said.
The international community continues to watch Bangladesh closely as the country prepares for its next general election, with growing concerns about whether the political landscape will remain inclusive and democratic.