US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Richard Boucher reiterated that any detraction from general election slated for December in Bangladesh would not be acceptable to Washington, as ex-premier Sheikh Hasina had a discussion with him in Washington.
"The US wants to see establishment of an elected government in Bangladesh as there is no alternative to democratic rule," he said during the meeting with the former PM and Awami League chief at the State Department on Friday.
Boucher viewed that the transition to democracy-now underway in the interim period-would help ensure development in Bangladesh.
During the hour-long meeting from 11 am (Washington time), US Ambassador to Bangladesh James Moriarty, State Department officials, Hasina's son Sajib Wajed Joy and Hasina's special aide Dr Hassan Mahmud were present.
Later in the evening (Friday), Sheikh Hasina and Moriarty had another meeting at a local hotel over a high tea, exchanging views over bilateral matters.
The US ambassador had parleys with politicians in Dhaka over the crucial issues on hand before leaving for Washington for consultation with his government policymakers.
Dr Mamud told UNB from the American capital that Hasina apprised Boucher of the current political situation in Bangladesh.
The Awami League president said that people have already doubts about the December general election. "If the Upazila Parishad elections are held first, people's doubt will further deepen about the parliamentary elections," she observed during the talks. Hasina said the prime responsibility of the caretaker government is to hold free, fair and transparent parliamentary elections and transfer power to an elected government.
"Upazila elections before parliamentary polls will
not be acceptable," she was quoted by Dr Mahmud as having told Boucher.
She said the government should concentrate more on holding the national election instead of upazila elections.
On the current anti-graft purge, Hasina said her party supports anti-corruption campaign and would carry on this drive if returned to power.
"But we cannot support political arrest and harassment in the name of anti-corruption drive," she said.
About institutional reforms being carried pout by the caretaker government, Hasina said the Awami League-led 14-party alliance's 33-point demand placed before the nation and in the last parliament was aimed at all these reforms.
She assured that if returned to power, Awami League would continue with these reform programs. "Awami League is also pledge-bound to ensure human rights, curbing terrorism, establishment of equal rights and the rule of law," she said.
Hasina told Boucher that she herself and her Awami League party are the main victims of terrorism. Awami League had always been vocal against terrorism and will continue to do that in the future.
The former Prime Minister said Bangladesh and the USA can work together to carry on the fight against terrorism.
Hasina thanked the US government for its continued assistance for development in Bangladesh. She hoped that Washington would increase its development aid and make investment in the country.
Dr Mahmud said Boucher inquired about the health conditions of Sheikh Hasina and praised her relentless leadership for restoration of democracy.
The AL chief returned to Washington from London on July 24. She is planning to go to Connecticut in a couple of days for her medical checkup. Later, she will fly to Orlando, Florida, for follow-up treatment of her ears.
Hasina, who was granted interim release from prison for eight weeks on June 11, left for the United States the following day for treatment of her ears and eyes.


Source: The Bangladesh Today