Talking to senior journalists at the American Corner in Chittagong, she said the next election is crucially important for the country and "everybody [of the international community] is looking at what you are doing and will do during the election."

"At the end of the day, we would like to see the result is credible. Someone has to lose, it is democracy and it is expected that the loser should accept the result that would help forward the country and democracy," Butenis told pressmen on the second day of her three-day visit to the port city.

When asked if there is a possibility of mediation from the US to narrow down the gap between the confronting political parties, she replied in the negative and said, "We do not support or disfavour any party but are very careful about holding the election."

About the present political stalemate, Butenis said the government and the opposition should sit down to find a solution, as the people want a fair election so that they can exercise their voting rights.

She observed that personal ego should not get in the way of resolving the issues of national interest and there is still a lot of room for the dialogue.

Bangladesh has great potentials as the people here are hospitable, sincere, peace- and democracy-loving while the media is free, noted the American ambassador.

Earlier, Butenis visited the two-century-old Chattaeshawry Kali Temple and talked to the Hindu leaders there. Chief priest Chandra Shekhar Chakraborty and human rights activist Advocate Sunil Sircar received her at the temple.

Talking to the press on the temple premises, she said Bangladesh has a proud tradition of interfaith harmony and the constitution safeguards the rights of the minority communities.

Butenis said the country's image as a moderate and peace-loving state has been brightening among the international community.

The US envoy visited Chittagong Export Processing Zone (CEPZ), Chittagong Port Authority and a private industrial enterprise at CEPZ. She exchanged views with the leaders of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and joined a dinner hosted by former city mayor and Jatiya Party leader Mahmudul Islam Chowdhury last night.

Butenis also called on Mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury at his Chasma Hill residence.

While meeting the CCCI representatives, she said political stability, consistency in policymaking, diversification of export basket and enabling infrastructure are the key to sustainable economic development.

Highlighting the steady economic growth of Bangladesh for several years, she appreciated its entrepreneurial performance.

"Bangladesh has shown resilience in the changing market climate in post-MFA era," Butenis said adding that alongside some other major sectors, the pharmaceutical industry has witnessed a robust growth in recent years.

Chamber President Saifuzzaman Chowdhury requested the ambassador to use her good offices in ensuring duty-free access for Bangladesh products to the US market and more US investment in the country.