US supports Bangladesh's aim to hold free and fair elections: State Dept

The United States has reiterated its position that political violence in Bangladesh has no place in a democracy and is not in support of any political party.

"We support Bangladesh's goal of holding a free, fair, and peaceful election," Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the US Department of State, Vedant Patel, said during a regular media briefing in Washington on Wednesday.

He asserted that cooperation between the United States and Bangladesh is necessary for Bangladesh to realize its goal of hosting free and fair elections.

"It's an important aspect of our bilateral relationship. And we believe that free and fair elections are a shared priority, and many Bangladeshi government officials, including the Prime Minister (Sheikh Hasina), have themselves said that it is their goal," Patel said.

On Wednesday, Bangladesh informed the 13 envoys in Dhaka of its disappointment with their "undiplomatic behavior."

/MHK/