US doesn't want to influence outcome of Bangladesh polls: Miller

US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller yesterday said his country does not want to influence the outcome of the election in Bangladesh.

"United States does not support any particular party and does not want to influence the outcome of the election, only to ensure that the people of Bangladesh may freely choose their leaders," he said at a regular press briefing in Washington.

He was questioned about the recent comments of the US ambassador to Bangladesh that media may also come under the purview of the US visa policy. Later, he clarified that the policy can be applied to anyone involved in intimidating elections or rigging votes.

Miller said, "The visa restriction policy that we've announced supports this objective and the desire of the people of Bangladesh to freely choose their leaders.

"The United States wants what the Bangladeshis themselves want: free and fair elections that are conducted in a peaceful manner," Miller said.

He said the government, political parties, civil society, and the media in Bangladesh have all expressed their desire that the upcoming national elections are free and fair and conducted in a peaceful manner – "as we want".