The United States is calling for "free, fair, non-violent and credible" elections in Bangladesh as the country's ruling and opposition parties remain deadlocked over election reforms.
A U.S. State Department statement Thursday said Washington views the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh set for January as a critical opportunity to strengthen the country's democratic institutions and governance.
It says the United States also encourages Bangladesh's major political parties to continue their efforts to resolve differences over election reform.
The ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (B.N.P.) and the main opposition Awami League have failed to agree on reforms, despite five rounds of talks. Another round is set for early next week.
The opposition wants to replace the proposed head of an interim administration and top election officials, whom it accuses of being pro-government.
The ruling B.N.P. is set to hand over power to the interim administration later this month, clearing the way for the general elections.
The opposition and its allies are threatening to boycott the vote unless their demands are met.
A U.S. State Department statement Thursday said Washington views the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh set for January as a critical opportunity to strengthen the country's democratic institutions and governance.
It says the United States also encourages Bangladesh's major political parties to continue their efforts to resolve differences over election reform.
The ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (B.N.P.) and the main opposition Awami League have failed to agree on reforms, despite five rounds of talks. Another round is set for early next week.
The opposition wants to replace the proposed head of an interim administration and top election officials, whom it accuses of being pro-government.
The ruling B.N.P. is set to hand over power to the interim administration later this month, clearing the way for the general elections.
The opposition and its allies are threatening to boycott the vote unless their demands are met.