The United States has reiterated its position on free and fair elections in Bangladesh.
But "one of the components of a free and fair election is that that election be conducted without violence," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said while replying to a question during a press briefing on Thursday.
The US earlier announced a visa policy saying it would ensure free and fair elections.
The opposition BNP has boycotted the January 7 election, citing zero confidence in oversight. However, it continues to enforce blockades and hartals that have witnessed arson attacks on vehicles.
Referring to violence during the blockades, one journalist asked Miller whether the US considered such conduct to undermine the prelude to a free and fair election in Bangladesh.
Replying to that, the spokesperson reiterated the US’s position.
