DHAKA: The United States, in a statement, said the country is encouraged by the recent initiatives to engage in dialogue and believe with goodwill that the two parties can find a way to provide the elections that the Bangladeshi people want and deserve.

“The senseless violence of past days is especially reprehensible as innocent people, including young children, have fallen victim to arson and bombs,” said the statement issued by the US Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday.

It, however, said the US is called on all those responsible to immediately end the violence in Bangladesh and allow people to go about their daily activities without fear and insecurity.

As we have previously stated, the United States believes that it is now more urgent than ever for both major parties to find a way forward to hold peaceful, free, and fair elections that are credible in the eyes of the Bangladeshi people, the statement said.

“We believe all parties should have space to freely and peacefully express their views.  The government bears responsibility to provide such space; the opposition parties bear responsibility to use such space in a peaceful manner,” said the statement.

Referring to the statement of US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Desai Biswal, the Embassy statement said “We believe unequivocally that violence can never be part of the democratic process, is not acceptable, and must stop immediately”.

BDST: 1338 HRS, DEC 11, 2013