In his address to the nation on Victory Day, the chief adviser to the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, said that the 13th national parliamentary elections could be held in the country by the end of 2025 or the first half of 2026. The US has welcomed the plan for the election of the interim government.
In response to a question about Bangladesh at the regular briefing of the US State Department on Wednesday (December 18), local time, Deputy Spokesperson for the State Department, Vedant Patel, said, "We welcome the plan that has been taken by the interim government of Bangladesh for the preparation of the elections. This will give the people of Bangladesh the opportunity to choose their leadership."
Vedant Patel said, "The United States is encouraging respect for the rule of law in this entire process, as well as respecting the results of the transition to democratic values."
The Commission on Enforced Disappearances has found evidence of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's involvement in the disappearances. The US has previously imposed sanctions against those involved in the disappearances in Bangladesh. When asked about this, Patel said, “We are deeply concerned about the way hundreds of people have been subjected to enforced disappearances in Bangladesh over the past two decades. This is a gross violation of human rights. The families of the victims have suffered mental anguish and uncertainty due to the disappearances and detentions.”
Vedant Patel said, the United States welcomes the steps that the interim government of Bangladesh has taken to investigate these crimes. We call for a transparent judicial process to ensure justice for the victims of disappearances and their family members.