He also said constitutional provisions guarantee democracy and state ways of resolving any national crisis. "I hope that the political parties will follow the right paths," Boucher told a crowded press conference at the Hotel Radisson.

"The way the US can help is to continue encouraging the political parties here to hold dialogues and training the people concerned in holding free and fair elections so that everybody can play their due role."

Asked if the US would request the two major political parties-- BNP and AL-- to sit together, he said, "We can not directly be involved in your politics, but can continue encouraging them."

He said it is certainly important that all the political parties take part in the elections. "There is always scope of reforms if major political parties sit together and want it."

Arriving on Wednesday, the US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian affairs met government and opposition leaders as well as civil society members and imams to discuss certain pressing issues.

"I heard them on different issues including elections, economic prospects and enjoyed the hospitality they offered," said Richard Boucher hours before his departure.

Boucher is also optimistic about a free and fair election. "There were three successful elections in the past, and I hope that the fourth election will also be successful one."

Lauding the democratic practices, he said Bangladesh is an important democratic and moderate country, an example for many other countries to emulate.

He went on to hail the government for its success in arresting the leaders of the Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh, assuring whatever US assistance required for breaking down the militant networks in Bangladesh and combating terrorism globally. "We must continue assisting the country in this regard," he asserted.

Asked if the Jamaat-e-Islami, a partner of the ruling alliance, has any link with the militant activities in Bangladesh, he said, "We have not seen any such evidence. If anyone finds evidence, let them come with it."

All have the rights to get involved in politics, he said; adding that they however should adapt democratic practices.

On the resumption of Peace Core operations in Bangladesh, he said, "We would love to send them back."

But unfortunately the Peace Core did not have enough security here when the members were withdrawn, he said.

Boucher praised the recent economic growth but bracketed corruption as one of the major hurdles to the economic development and poverty alleviation.

"It is hard for the business people to do business here if corruption is rampant," he said, stressing that the government should have a strong political will and commitment to curb corruption.

The public procurement process should be transparent and legislation stringent. There are examples of providing international cooperation and expertise and, if need be, could be extended, he added.

Responding to the allegation of maintaining double standard in the US policy regarding the Israeli aggression on Lebanon, he said, "I don't think it is a double standard. There should be political resolution to stop violent attacks. We are trying to achieve solution on emergency basis."

Boucher says US wants fair polls Visiting US Assistant Secretary of State Richard A Boucher yesterday said his country is keen to extend all sorts of cooperation in the conduct of a free, fair and credible election in Bangladesh early