Dhaka: The US today said the military-backed government in Bangladesh should hold elections by the year-end as promised and favoured that the emergency rule be lifted ahead of the poll process.

Visiting Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher said the US encouraged the leadership of the government to lift emergency rule in the country for ensuring greater participation in the polls.

"It would be necessary for going to elections. We don't think you can have a good election under emergency," he told reporters here.

Boucher said the possible military takeover in the country would be unacceptable to Washington as it believed restoration of democracy was the only path for the South Asian nation.

"No the only path for Bangladesh is restoration of democracy," visiting US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher told reporters when asked if Washington foresaw chances of any military takeover or if it would be acceptable for the US.

Boucher said he had already talked to the government leaders including army chief general Moeen U Ahmed and "everybody understands that we will not accept any deviation from the election roadmap" of holding polls by December.

The US official said he found senior government leaders committed to stage a free and credible election.

"We want all parties to take part in the polls and the people of this country have their rights to chose ... The stability of Bangladesh lies with the restoration of democratic process," he said.

Source : PTI