Chair Cardin Urges Bangladesh to Form Responsible Caretaker Government to Promptly Organize Inclusive Democratic Elections

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after Bangladesh's president dissolved parliament, paving the way for new elections after the prime minister resigned and fled the country amid weeks of escalating protests against her leadership:

"In a world where democracies and political expression are increasingly under threat, the people of Bangladesh have courageously demonstrated to the global community the transformative power of collective action. When citizens unite, their voices can compel even the most entrenched and authoritarian leaders to relinquish power.

"It is unacceptable that such violence and bloodshed occurred, and we mourn the lives that were lost. After more than a decade of a government that systematically stifled opposition, manipulated the courts, and weaponized the security services against its own citizens, today we celebrate the renewed opportunity for Bangladesh to restore a democracy based on its constitutional principles.

"I strongly urge authorities in Bangladesh to form a responsible caretaker government that will promptly organize inclusive democratic elections. The people of Bangladesh deserve a government that honors their voices, respects their will, and upholds the dignity of their nation."

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