US not to deploy observers in Bangladesh

WASHINGTON: The US will not deploy poll observers in Bangladesh for the January 5 general elections as over half of the parliamentary seats remain uncontested due to boycott by the opposition parties.

"The United States will not deploy observers for these elections. We remain prepared to re-engage our observation efforts at a later time in a more conducive environment," State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said yesterday.

The US urges the major parties to continue their dialogue and re-double their efforts to find a solution worthy of the people of Bangladesh, she said, adding the Bangladeshi people deserve the opportunity to elect their representatives in a climate free of violence and intimidation.

"The nation's political leadership - and those who aspire to lead - must ensure law and order and refrain from supporting violence, inflammatory rhetoric and intimidation.

"The United States encourages all political parties and Bangladeshi citizens to participate peacefully in the political process. Violence is not acceptable because it subverts the democratic process," Psaki said.