US has kind of alignment with recommendations made by IRI-NDI mission: Masud

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Monday said the US government has "kind of alignment or endorsement” with the recommendations made by the joint IRI-NDI mission.

Talking to reporters, he said during his meeting with US Deputy Assistant Secretary Afreen Akhter, they discussed what Bangladesh is thinking of those recommendations.

"It is a political issue whether dialogue will be held or not," Masud said while responding to a question.

The IRI-NDI joint delegation made recommendations as a roadmap for progress towards "credible, inclusive, participatory, and non-violent" elections that can advance Bangladesh’s democracy.

The recommendations are  moderating rhetoric and engaging in open and substantive dialogue on key election issues, protecting freedom of expression and ensuring an open civic space where dissent is respected, committing to non-violence and holding perpetrators of political violence accountable, creating conditions to allow all parties to engage in meaningful political competition, including bolstering independent election management, and promoting a culture of inclusive and active electoral participation among citizens.

When asked whether Bangladesh-US will sign any agreement on trade, investment, energy or defence before the election, the foreign secretary said there is no such possibility. "At this moment, we do not see any such possibility."

He also ruled out any possibility of welcoming any foreign observers with government expenditure. He said logistics support will be provided as before.

The foreign secretary said the government has been assuring the US side of a free and fair election with public participation.

He also said violence does not take place on its own and inclusive elections depend on political parties.

Asked about Rohingya repatriation, the foreign secretary said it will begin when safety requirements are fulfilled. "We are not giving any timeline or deadline."