The United States wants to deepen their relationship and partnership with Bangladesh as they eye a number of areas to work together.
"Last year we celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations with Bangladesh, and of course this is a country that we’re looking to continue to deepen our relationships and partnerships with," Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the US Department of State Vedant Patel told reporters at a regular media briefing on Thursday.
He said there continues to be a number of areas, including trade, cooperation in the climate space, security space, and where that potential exists.
Patel said they do not support a particular government, political party, or candidate in any country.
"In areas where there are elections ongoing, – our goal and intent is for these elections to take place in a free and fair way that respects the will of the people of that country," he said.
‘US hopes Bangladesh will ensure safety of personnel, facilities’
The United States has said it expects the host government of any country to take all appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of their personnel and facilities.
"Safety and security of our diplomatic personnel and our diplomatic facilities is of utmost importance. I think such kind of violent rhetoric is deeply unhelpful," said Patel regarding the remarks made by a local union-level Awami League leader named Mujibul Haque Chowdhury.
Patel also referred to the country’s obligations under the Vienna Convention and the diplomatic conventions that exist under that.
Union-level Awami League leader Mujibul, in one of his public speeches, threatened to “beat Peter Haas”.
In the US, responding to another question, Patel said the US does not support any political candidate or party in Bangladesh.
"Our hope, our desire, and what we continue to work towards and work around through our engagements with the government, opposition groups, civil society, and stakeholders, is that these elections be carried out in a free and fair manner," he said.
