The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Richard Boucher Thursday said Washington wants to see the general elections completed by the end of this year to allow democratically elected government to govern Bangladesh next year. "We look forward to the statement of the caretaker government that will reassure the people that the process (of election) is underway with guarantee," he told reporters after his meeting with Foreign Secretary Touhid Hossain at the Foreign Ministry.

Boucher, who came here yesterday on a 2-day visit, said: "You are on the path of restoration of democracy and it is important for us to see the path completed by the end of this year to see a democratically elected government emerge and govern Bangladesh next year." He also said that the United States wants to see guarantees for democracy in a long term from the Election Commission, Human Rights Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission and Civil Service Commission because the people of these institutions can guarantee stable democracy.

"We want to see the guarantees for democracy are put in place so that it continues on stable basis in a long time."

Boucher said that in addition to democracy and development, US wants to see denial of space

for terrorists in Bangladesh.

He called for the judicial and police actions to keep people safe from terrorism. He said stability of democracy could not be achieved without stability against violent extremists.

However, Boucher praised Bangladesh for its 'many successes' in combating terrorism.

He said Bangladesh and United States are together in many things around the world and assured US assistance to help Bangladesh in recovering phase of the cyclone Sidr and expansion of economic cooperation.

Boucher said he has come here at an important time -economically Bangladesh is facing difficulties - international crisis, crisis of food and energy, and domestically, the country is on the path of restoration of democracy which is very important to the United States. "We have a very broad agenda that speaks the desire of the people of Bangladesh. We want restoration of democracy and economic development that would lead to a peaceful society," he said.

Foreign Secretary Touhid said he had very fruitful discussion on various issues as both Bangladesh and the United States enjoy excellent relations and have intense cooperation in many fields. US Counter-terrorism Coordinator Dell Dailey was present in the meeting.