[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 197 (Thursday, December 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1664]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SUPPORT FOR H. RES. 1169, REAFFIRMING THE COMMITMENT OF THE UNITED 
  STATES TO PROMOTE FREE, FAIR, TRANSPARENT AND CREDIBLE ELECTIONS IN 
                               BANGLADESH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 13, 2018

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1169 
calling for a free and fair election in Bangladesh. My district is home 
to a large population of Bangladeshi ex-pats, and I've heard from them 
about the need for a free, fair, transparent, and credible election.
  During the 2014 general election, major Bangladeshi political parties 
boycotted the election due to concerns about the impartiality of the 
electoral process. Historically, Bangladesh would install a caretaker 
government during elections to ensure free, fair, transparent, and 
credible elections. However, during the 2014 election, that didn't 
happen. Since then, there have been political rivalries that have 
devolved into violent clashes. All parties should be free to 
participate in the political process. They should be free to express 
their political views, campaign and hold peaceful rallies and meetings, 
and not fear physical retribution for exercising a fundamental human 
right to participate in the democratic electoral process.
  I believe that free, fair, transparent, and credible elections are 
the cornerstone of democracy. As Bangladesh is scheduled to hold 
general elections at the end of the month, I urge everyone to 
participate in the democratic process, and vote.
  I'm a proud co-sponsor of this resolution and urge my colleagues 
support as well.

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