Sheikh Hasina meets Richard Boucher in Washington

US Assistant Secretary Richard Boucher told Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina in Washington that the US would not accept any alternative to a democratically elected government in Bangladesh.

"We will not accept anything but the rule of a democratically elected government," Richard Boucher told Sheikh Hasina meeting her on Friday (July 25). Richard Boucher also assured Sheikh Hasina that the US will continue to support the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh.

The Awami League president and former prime minister told Richard Boucher that voters' doubts over the national elections would deepen if elections to the local government bodies are held first.

She assured the US State Department assistant secretary for South Asia that if elected to power, the Awami League would continue the current government's reforms and anti-corruption drives but would not support any measures to harass or suppress politicians. Many of those who have been arrested under the anti-corruption drive are victims of political vendetta, Sheikh Hasina told Richard Boucher.

She said the interim administration's mandate is to hold the parliamentary election in a free and fair manner and transfer power to a democratically elected government.

Sheikh Hasina also said her party has been the prime target of terrorist attacks and is committed to counter-terrorist measures.

She later met US Ambassador James Moriarty at a local hotel.