The United States does not support any political party in Bangladesh and seeks only a free, fair, and credible parliamentary election, a senior US diplomat said on Monday.

Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson, chargé d'affaires of the US Embassy in Dhaka, made the remarks after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission headquarters.

Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Jacobson stated, "The US Embassy and the United States government do not take the side of any political party or leader. Our only interest is to see free and fair elections in Bangladesh."

Earlier in the day, Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed personally received Jacobson at the building’s entrance. He led a team of officials that escorted the US delegation to the CEC’s office on the upper floor.

Monday’s meeting marked the first official engagement between the US Embassy and the Election Commission since the political realignment that took place on August 5 last year.

SMS/