Briefing the media at the State Department on Wednesday, Deputy Spokesman Tom Casey said: "We do want to see these elections move forward. We want to see them move forward as quickly as possible."

However, he added, "What is important is that when they happen, they are free and fair and transparent and open to participation by all legitimate actors in the Bangladeshi system."

Regarding the anti-corruption drive, Casey said, "It is important to have accountability and for people to have faith and confidence that their elected and appointed officials will not be corrupt and make wise use of resources.

"At the same time that has to be balanced to make sure that any efforts made are not done in a way that's inconsistent with the rule of law or in any way, shape or form is a political gesture rather than simply one designed to tackle the problem of corruption."