The United States has ruled out any perception that they do not recognise Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s fourth straight term in office.
At a regular briefing at the US Department of State on Thursday, a journalist asked, "So, when you say that the election results in Bangladesh were not credible, free, or fair, does this imply that the US will not recognise Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s fourth straight term?"
In reply, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said, "No, no."
Miller said they are now encouraging the government of Bangladesh to credibly and transparently investigate the reports of violence, to hold perpetrators accountable.
"We all urge all parties to reject political violence," he said.
Miller said they remain concerned by the arrest of political opposition members and by the reports of irregularities on election day.
"We regret that not all parties participated, and we condemn the violence that took place during elections and in the months leading up to it," he said.
On January 7, the 12th national election was held in 299 constituencies.
Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League won 222 seats, Jatiya Party 11 seats, independent candidates 62 seats, and partners of the Awami League-led 14-party alliance - Workers Party and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal - got one seat each.
Bangladesh Kalyan Party also won in one seat in the polls.
The 37-strong new cabinet took oath on January 11.
