Dhaka: The United States has reiterated its hope to see a peaceful, participatory and credible national election in Bangladesh saying violence only undermines the democratic process.

‘One of the messages that I continue to pronounce is the need that the upcoming election will be free, fair, credible, participatory and peaceful,’ said US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R Miller.

Ambassador Miller made the remarks while addressing businesspeople at a luncheon meeting hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) at a city hotel on Wednesday, reports the UNB.

‘You must assure, you must avoid and you must condemn violence. Violence only undermines the democratic process,’ he said encouraging all to follow democratic process.

Miller made similar statements after his meetings with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other political leaders.

On Monday, Ambassador Miller and the Prime Minister discussed the strong enduring ties between the United States and Bangladesh, and challenges the two countries can work together to address in partnership.

They also discussed the need for free, fair, credible and peaceful elections that reflect the will of the Bangladeshi people, according to a message US Embassy shared on its verified Facebook page.

On Tuesday, Ambassador Miller met and Mirza Fakhrul at BNP’s Gulshan office.

Meeting with the press afterwards, Ambassador Miller said, ‘As Bangladesh begins its grand exercise in democracy, the United States encourages a free, fair, credible, fully participatory and peaceful national election.’

He said every eligible candidate should have the same opportunity to campaign and every eligible voter should have equal access to the polls.

‘Everyone, no matter the political party or sentiment, should act peacefully and responsibly. All sides must avoid and condemn violence. Violence hinders the democratic process and only serves those who wish to undermine it,’ Miller was quoted as saying in another Facebook message.