DHAKA: State Department Deputy Spokesperson of US Marie Harf on Monday categorically said they believe that the major political parties would engage in constructive dialogue to find a way forward to holding free and fair elections.  

“We believe it is more urgent than ever for the major parties to redouble their efforts to engage in constructive dialogue to find a way forward to holding free and fair elections that are credible and reflecting the will of the Bangladeshi people,” she said.

The deputy spokesperson said, “Violence is not acceptable for a number of reasons, but in part, because it subverts the democratic process and we have called on it to stop immediately.”

She added:  “That`s certainly our position; we know there`s a lot of work still to be done there, but hopefully, we can see some progress soon.”

The United States is disappointed that the major political parties have not yet reached a consensus on a way to hold free, fair and credible elections, she added.

“We are prepared to re-engage our efforts, and particularly, our observation efforts, at a later time, if there`s a more conducive environment. But we are disappointed that so far, they haven`t done so,” she added.

BDST: 1510 HRS, DEC 31, 2013
Edited By: Shameem Reza, Newsroom Editor/M. Mahbub Alam, Asst Output Editor