US says Bangladesh forced to declare emergency

Dhaka, Jan 12 (UNI) The United States today said Bangladesh was compelled to declare a state of emergency as the political parties failed to resolve their differences but called upon the caretaker government to hold free and fair elections at the earliest.

''We continue to believe that holding free, fair, and fully participatory elections as soon as possible is the best solution,'' a spokesman for the US Embassy said.

He said the United States has consistently urged the caretaker government to create conditions for free, fair, and fully participatory elections.

''We have also urged the parties to engage in dialogue to resolve their differences and refrain from violence. We regret they were unable to resolve the impasse and that the government felt compelled to declare a state of emergency,'' the spokesman said.

He said,''We hope that the people of Bangladesh and the political leaders will approach these developments peacefully and in a manner consistent with rule of law and respect for civil and political liberties, including freedom of the press.'' '' We call on all parties to refrain from violence and provocation, and to work together to find solutions that will strengthen democratic stability and represent the best interests of the Bangladeshi people,'' the spokesman added.

UNI