Bronx, NY—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement:

“I congratulate the many Bangladeshis who fulfilled one of the most important responsibilities of living in a democracy: voting. However, the violence that marked the campaign was troubling and serious allegations of voter fraud have emerged in many parts of the country. 

“Bangladesh has a strong democratic tradition that includes strong voter participation.  This commitment to democracy is important, but it is just as important for every citizen’s vote to count equally.  It is critical that Bangladesh’s elections be seen as free and fair and for the outcome to be credible to the Bangladeshi people.”

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