<div style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-size: 1rem;">US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya has urged the political parties in Bangladesh to reject violence and support a genuinely peaceful democratic process that allows the people of Bangladesh to choose their own leaders.</span><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Well, I think one message I would underscore is urging all parties to reject violence, and to support a genuinely inclusive, peaceful, free and fair democratic process. Let's let the people of Bangladesh decide,” she told UNB in an exclusive interview before wrapping up her two and half days visit to Bangladesh.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Zeya made it clear that the United States’ objective is to support elections in Bangladesh that are “free, fair and peaceful.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On the other hand, she said, the question of potentially a caretaker government, or a boycott, these are “internal matters” for the people of Bangladesh. “We don't see a role for the United States. And I just want to underscore the final point that we do not take sides between political parties.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">During her meetings in Dhaka, Under Secretary Zeya emphasized the importance of working together to achieve Bangladesh’s goal of free and fair elections; the crucial role of civil society, human rights defenders, journalists, and labor activists; accountability for human rights abuses; and the need to continue support for Rohingya refugees.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Asked about her visit to India before coming to Bangladesh,  she said her visit to India was part of regular consultations with Indian government counterparts and also in her dual head role as Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“So on this point, I would say, reflecting from this week of meetings, I see convergence between our three governments in terms of benefits for a more free and open Indo Pacific that is more resilient, connected, secure and prosperous,” she said. UNB</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">bnbd24/kh</div>