State Dept spokesperson saysUS "closely monitoring" preparations of 12th nat'l election

The United States has said they are "closely monitoring" developments in Bangladesh leading up to the elections.

"It’s important for free and fair elections that all stakeholders are able to participate peacefully," Spokesperson at the US Department of State, Mathew Miller, told reporters during a regular briefing in Washington on October 23.

That includes, he said, government officials, law enforcement, political parties, the Election Commission, the media, and of course voters themselves.

"And we will continue to call on all stakeholders to respect the rule of law and to refrain from violence, harassment, and intimidation," said the State Department spokesperson.

Earlier on Sunday, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas referred to the importance of "peaceful demonstrations" and "interference-free" participation in the political process during his meeting with Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at the Secretariat.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said their party only plans to hold a grand rally in Dhaka on October 28, and that they do not intend to sit on the streets.

Information Minister Hasan Mahmud said that Dhaka's streets will be under Awami League’s control on October 28.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman on Saturday said that DMP will take decisive action against anyone attempting to incite violence during BNP’s rally on October 28.

US Spokesperson Miller said under the Vienna Convention, Bangladesh has obligations to take all appropriate steps to protect diplomatic mission premises and personnel.

The United States values its relationship with Bangladesh, he said, adding that "we expect the government will take all appropriate actions to maintain the safety and security of all US missions and diplomatic personnel in the country."