Dhaka: The United States has called on those administering city corporation elections in Bangladesh and participating in the elections to uphold their responsibility to ensure free, fair and nonviolent elections following democratic practices.

The US also said there is no room here for violence or intimidation and that is the message the US conveys.

‘We also expect all parties to follow democratic practices, and really, there could be no room here for violence or intimidation.

That's the message we've been sending to the Bangladeshis as they go forward here," said Marie Harf, acting Spokesperson of the US Department of State, in a regular briefing on Thursday.

She said the US welcomed the announcement of municipal elections and encouraged the government of Bangladesh and the elections commission to protect citizens' rights to free expression and association during the campaign, again, to ensure free, fair election on polling day.

Responding to a question related to level-playing field and arrest of a councillor candidate and divided rule on bail of a BNP-blessed mayoral candidate in Dhaka South City Corporation, Mirza Abbas, she said, ‘Well, I hadn't seen those reports today. Let me check with our team and see if there's more to say about this.’

On update about former State Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, the acting spokesperson said she will be happy to check with their team.