A visiting senior official of the US State Department urged the Bangladesh government on Monday to ensure civil liberty and freedom of press.
Speaking at a press conference, US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells also said the US wants to see a free, fair, participatory and transparent election in Bangladesh.
Responding to a question she also made it clear that the US government is not supporting any particular political party or alliance here.
"We urge the Bangladesh government to protect fundamental civil liberties, especially freedom of speech and press, and fulfill its commitment to hold a free, fair, credible and participatory election that reflects the will of Bangladeshi people."
For a free and fair election it is critical to ensure that all the parties can conduct their campaigns freely and peacefully to project their visions about future Bangladesh to the people, she added.
"With a dynamic and fast-growing economy, Bangladesh's future success will be fueled by strengthening of its democratic institutions and governing structures," Ms Wells further said.
"That is why, as I conveyed in my meetings, we continue to call on the government of Bangladesh to protect fundamental civil liberties, especially freedom of speech and press, and fulfill its commitment to hold a free, fair, credible and participatory election."
Responding to a question she opined that the civil society and the government may continue dialogue to improve the recently passed Digital Security Act.
On the issue of Rohingya repatriation she said, "We continue to urge the government to fully implement the Anan Commission recommendations, including those related to access to citizenship and freedom of movement, and we offer our help in doing so."
"We also continue to call for (ensuring) accountability of those in the Burmese security forces, who are responsible for the violence."
The US official also pointed out that Bangladesh is central to the US administration's Indo-Pacific strategy.
"Bangladesh has the potentials to serve as a regional hub for trade and commerce between South and Southeast Asia as an anchor for stability and prosperity," she added.
Ms Wells, who came to the capital on Saturday, is scheduled to leave Dhaka today (Tuesday).
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