US suggests further steps for early restoration of democracy in Bangladesh

A visiting senior United States official today said that his government looks forward to additional steps by Bangladesh administration to restore democracy in the country, which is reeling under a state of emergency for nine moths following political turmoil.

By Nazrul Islam

Dhaka, Sept 18 : A visiting senior United States official today said that his government looks forward to additional steps by Bangladesh administration to restore democracy in the country, which is reeling under a state of emergency for nine moths following political turmoil.

"The US government looked forward to additional steps by Bangladesh government to restore democracy soon as possible," the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the State Department for South and Central Asia, John Gastright, said in a statement after a meeting with the country's Chief Election Commissioner, ATM Shamsul Huda.

The US official arrived here on a two-day official visit to weigh out the country's preparation towards holding of general elections and restoration of democratic rights, now being suspended since early January. He will meet members of the civil society, senior officials and leaders of political parties during his stay.

The statement, issued by the American centre in Dhaka, said that Gastright had a positive and productive meeting with chief election Commissioner.

He appreciated the commission's progress in the last months towards preparing for the elections, expected as per the road map announced by the election commission before the end of December 2008.

Gastright welcomed the government for relaxing ban on "internal politics". He said the political parties, NGOs, and civil society have important roles to play in the electoral process.

He reiterated the US government's willingness to provide support to the Election Commission.

"Full democracy is vital to the country. Full participation in the electoral process is also vital to democracy," said the US official.

The military-backed government of Fakhruddin Ahmed in Bangladesh has launched a massive anti-crime drive targeting mostly the politicians, including two former Prime Ministers -Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia-- and trying to bring reforms in the political parties keeping most of the senior politicians behind the bar. More than 150 politicians were arrested since this interim administration came into being on January 11.

Earlier, the Bush Administration extended support to the interim government to carry on its reform agenda.

Gastrait is the first US official visiting this country after the high profile arrests by the security forces. He had visited Bangladesh earlier in December 2006.

ANI