US want Bangladesh polls to be conducted in violence-free environment

The United States has expressed its desire to see the next national election in Bangladesh conducted in a violence-free environment.

A questioner at the regular briefing at the US Department of State on December 14 mentioned a wave of arson attacks on buses full of passengers and trucks, removing rail tracks and petrol bombing on train coaches during blockades.

He wanted to know whether the US considers such actions to undermine the efforts to hold a free and fair election in Bangladesh.

In reply, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said one of the components of a free and fair election is that that election be conducted without violence.

"You have heard me say consistently from this podium that we want to see free and fair elections held in Bangladesh," he added.

On December 13, Miller urged all sides to exercise restraint and avoid violence.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen recently said both Bangladesh and the US want free and fair elections in Bangladesh, and in addition, the US wants to see non-violent elections.

Momen said they can not guarantee non-violent elections as it depends on sincerity and willingness of all, including political leadership.