Yunus tells US state secy B'desh polls next year, seeks help in transition

Dhaka: In a telephonic conversation with US secretary of state Marco Rubio, Bangladesh interim govt chief Muhammad Yunus has sought Washington's support for his country's "democratic transition" as he conveyed that the national election would be held in the "early part of next year".

Yunus also told Rubio that the ongoing dialogue between his administration and political parties would result in much-needed reforms of the country's political system, the govt in Dhaka said, adding Rubio expressed support for Bangladesh's "reform agenda" and its move to hold elections early next year.

The two leaders also touched upon geopolitical issues, including the need for a stable and peaceful Indo-Pacific region. The poll has been pending since the ouster of PM Sheikh Hasina in Aug last year following a mass movement against her govt. "The Election Commission is working hard to reorganize the electoral system, which was destroyed by the previous govt," Yunus told Rubio during the 15-minute call on Monday evening.

US state department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said, "The secretary and chief adviser (Yunus) affirmed their shared commitment to deepening economic ties between the US and Bangladesh and to enhancing security and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region."