PM Hasina, Uzra Zeya meet; discuss importance of free, fair elections
"We discussed the importance of free and fair elections, US-Bangladesh partnership, and US appreciation for Bangladesh's continued generous hosting of 960,000 Rohingya refugees," Zeya wrote in an X post
US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, has discussed the importance of free and fair elections with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
"The United States is committed to advancing democracy and free elections all over the world and, as a partner to Bangladesh, seeks to support Prime Minister Hasina's public calls for free and fair elections in Bangladesh that are carried out in a peaceful manner," reads a press release from the US Embassy in Dhaka.
Zeya met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina before jointly hosting a high-level side event on the Rohingya crisis during the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
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Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen briefed newsmen about the Prime Minister's engagements on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) here.
Uzra Zeya said they want a free, fair and violence-free election in Bangladesh. The foreign minister said they also want a free, fair election.
"Sincere cooperation from all, particularly from the political parties, is required to hold a violence-free election," he said.
At the meeting, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "Our priority is to repatriate the forcibly displaced Rohingyas taken shelter in Bangladesh to their homeland."
She said Rohingya repatriation should start as early as possible otherwise the region will fall into security threats as the Rohingyas have been engaging in criminal activities that included killings, firearms smuggling and trading, reports BSS.
Rohingyas have become frustrated as their repatriation has been prolonged and get involved in criminal activities and they are sensing no future there.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen briefed newsmen about the Prime Minister's engagements on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) here.
They also discussed various global and regional issues during the meeting.
Uzra Zeya informed the Prime Minister that they have decided to allocate $116 million for Bangladesh and Myanmay for rehabilitation of Rohingyas.
She (Zeya) stressed the need for creating employment for Rohingyas to ensure their better livelihood.
The US Under Secretary General stressed the need for ensuring safety and security of the Rohingyas prior to starting to send back Rohingyas to their homeland.
Sheikh Hasina also sought international support to the case filed with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by Gambia.
As many as seven countries France, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Denmark and the Maldives gave consent to the case.
During the meeting, Zeya thanked Sheikh Hasina for the generosity of the Bangladeshi government in their humanitarian assistance to nearly one million Rohingya refugees.
In an X post, Zeya wrote, "We discussed the importance of free and fair elections, US-Bangladesh partnership, and US appreciation for Bangladesh's continued generous hosting of 960,000 Rohingya refugees."
Earlier on 19 September, she met Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on the sidelines of UNGA 78 in New York.
"Appreciated meeting again to discuss the importance of free and fair elections, freedom of expression, and continued humanitarian support for Rohingya and communities that host them," US Under Secretary Uzra Zeya tweeted after the meeting.
In May this year, the US announced a visa policy stating it would deny visas to individuals involved in election manipulation and intimidation.
Zeya visited Bangladesh in July this year and reiterated her country's desire for a "peaceful, free, and fair" electoral process in Bangladesh.
US announces over $116 million to support vulnerable populations in Bangladesh and Myanmar
The United States will provide more than $116 million in additional humanitarian assistance to support vulnerable populations in Bangladesh, Myanmar and the region, including more than $74 million to support Rohingyas and their host communities, according to a press statement of the US Department of State.
In an X post, US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya wrote more than $74 million of this allocation will strengthen US government partners, enabling them to provide vital support like shelter, clean water, healthcare, and other critical aid to Rohingya refugees and the accommodating host communities.
