"The situation here is difficult but the goal is [to hold] a free and fair election. I don't think a military takeover would contribute to that goal. That will be a bad thing to do," US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Richard Boucher told a press conference at the American Club.

Boucher who arrived in the capital yesterday to assess the pre-election ground situation also called on the political leadership to lower the level of tension and violence and hold peaceful demonstrations so that voters get educated about elections.

"The voters need a fair choice. They need to make their decision through free and fair elections where each vote is counted and respected," he said.

Faced with a volley of questions on the chief election commissioner (CEC), he said he would not talk about any particular individual. As a whole, the EC has a very important role to play in ensuring the elections are acceptable, he added.

"Our view is.... a great responsibility lies with the Election Commission and they need to exercise that responsibility fairly but carefully in accordance with the constitution and avoid any outside influence so that people trust their decisions and election results," he said.

Richard Boucher, who will meet President and Chief Adviser Iajuddin Ahmed today, said the caretaker government must carry out its task in a neutral manner so that any of its decisions does not favour any particular political party.

There are a lot of issues to be settled by the caretaker government that needs more time to set up the groundwork for a free, fair, peaceful and credible election, he noted.

When asked about his meetings with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina, he said both the leaders want free and fair elections and it would be better for them to reach a consensus on the issues respecting the constitutional process.

Asked how the election could be credible without participation of AL that seeks resignation of the CEC, the visiting US official said he hopes all political parties would participate in the polls and the EC should make sure that the people trust its decisions.

Boucher said both the political parties have a lot of experience in politics and they could easily settle many of the controversies.

He said the US would send observers to monitor the upcoming general election.

Terming the Dhaka-Washington relations excellent, he said his country would continue co-operating with Bangladesh, no matter what party gets elected to power in future.

He said despite Republican debacle in the midterm elections, the US government would carry on its efforts to strengthen democracy, healthcare and economic progress.

BNP wants free, peaceful polls BNP Chairperson and immediate past prime minister Khaleda Zia yesterday said her party wants a free, fair and peaceful election in right time.

AL fears polls might not be free, fair Awami League yesterday apprised US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher of its apprehensions that the upcoming general election in Bangladesh might not be held in a free and fair manner without