US interested only in free, fair polls

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas has said that the US has no position on caretaker government issues.

"That is for political parties to decide what their approach is [on caretaker government]. We're only concerned and interested in that there will be free, fair elections that are free of violence," he told reporters yesterday.

After a meeting with Awami League leaders at the AL office on Bangabandhu Avenue, Haas also said, "The US does not favour one party over another, but that it supports a democratic process that will let the people of Bangladesh elect their next government."

He added that the meeting with the AL was one of many meetings he had attended "with all parts of Bangladeshi society".

"As you are aware, I have met with other political parties. I also frequently interact with the media and civil society. As the US ambassador, I interact with the police and security forces as part of my duties. I make the exact same points at every meeting, and it is our policy to support free, fair, and peaceful elections in which nobody uses violence."

Everyone involved in the democratic process in Bangladesh is responsible for contributing to a free, fair, and peaceful election, he said.

"The government, the media, other political parties, civil society, the judiciary, the security services, and obviously the voters have roles to play."

After the meeting with Haas, the AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader told reporters that free, fair and peaceful elections were desired by the US and the AL alike.

"The United States has not said anything about the caretaker government, the resignation of Sheikh Hasina, the dissolution of parliament and the Election Commission," Quader said.

The issue of dialogue with the opposition party was also not discussed at the meeting, he said.

Asked whether the AL was feeling any pressure from the foreign diplomats' statements regarding elections, he said, "Why should the Awami League feel pressure? It is our commitment to hold fair elections."

AL presidium member Lt Colonel Mohammad Farooq Khan (retd), International Affairs Secretary Shammi Ahmed, Office Secretary Barrister Biplab Barua, Information and Research Affairs Secretary Salim Mahmud and Executive Member Mohammad Ali Arafat were present at the meeting.