Bangladesh poll machinery should inspire confidence: India

With Bangladesh's Opposition alliance led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina deciding to boycott the upcoming polls, India today said the election machinery there needed to inspire confidence in "neutrality" in the minds of the electorate.

The external affairs ministry said New Delhi hoped that the people of the neighbouring country would be able to elect a government of their "own choice in a free, fair, credible and democratic" election.

"As a friendly neighbour, we are naturally interested in Bangladesh remaining peaceful, democratic and stable," ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said.

The Awami League-led alliance decided to boycott the January 22 elections alleging that free and fair polls were not possible under the present caretaker government.