Gastright, who came here yesterday morning on a two-day visit, made the remarks to reporters after his meeting with Finance and Planning Adviser Akbar Ali Khan at the finance ministry office.

The political parties should come forward and work together "in a sprit of cooperation" for the benefit of Bangladesh, said the US government functionary, who is scheduled to meet other government officials and political leaders in a bid to broker a rapprochement among the squabbling parties.

He appreciated the efforts of the chief adviser and other advisers to the caretaker government in the prevailing situation, saying that they are carrying out a "superb job." The Bangladesh people are "fortunate that they have got some good people" to carry out the important job.

About the package proposals moved by the three advisers in a last-ditch effort towards a breakthrough, the US junior minister hoped that the advisers' proposal and solution would move the country towards the national elections.

In reply to a question, Gastright said he has come here not to decide what is right for Bangladesh, but "I am here to urge the parties to work together. I am confident the advisers and the parties will come to a solution."

After nearly 45-minute meeting with Foreign Secretary Hemayetuddin at the foreign ministry, the US deputy assistant secretary said his country strongly supports the efforts of the caretaker government to hold free, fair, credible and non-violent elections in Bangladesh.

"We've discussed our strong support for the caretaker government in its efforts to move forward with the free, fair, credible and non-violent election in the days ahead and we look forward to supporting that process as well," he told reporters

Terming the Dhaka-Washington bilateral relations excellent, Gastright said they also discussed different aspects of the bilateral issues during the meeting.

Hemayetuddin said Gastright's visit is a follow up of US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher's visit to Dhaka in November.

Describing the outcome of the meeting as constructive, he hoped that the cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States in political, economic areas and other potential areas would be expanded in future.

US Ambassador in Dhaka Patricia Butenis was present during the meeting.

MEET WITH KHALEDA
In the evening, Gastright met BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Hawa Bhaban as part of his mission to help resolve the prevailing political deadlock over general elections in Bangladesh.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, the visiting US deputy assistant secretary of state said his country is hopeful that yesterday's meeting of the advisers to the caretaker government will yield positive results, which will certainly be supported by the people of Bangladesh.

"We believe the people of Bangladesh will support the positive outcome," Gastright said.

The US government functionary hoped that all parties involved would be flexible and work cooperatively with the caretaker government. He also expressed optimism that the political parties would work together for the benefit of the people of Bangladesh.

"There is no room for political violence in democracy," Gastright noted.

He hoped that the political parties would reach a consensus for ensuring a free, fair, credible and nonviolent election.