His directives came as he took seriously Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s ‘concerns’, raised during the two leaders recent meeting in the White House.
According to the report, the US officials had earlier told New Delhi that they are “more comfortable” with Khaleda Zia-led opposition BNP.
But such a direction from Obama came after Singh personally raised concerns on the current political crisis in Bangladesh, “in particular violence and growing radicalisation in the country, which he argued, poses threat to India and the region”.
Quoting sources PTI said that Obama took Singh's concerns seriously and asked for increased discussions with India.
The issue was also discussed separately in detail by National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon and his American counterpart Susan Rice, it further reported quoting sources.
It said US envoy to Dhaka, Dan Mozena’s recent New Delhi visit for consultations with top officials of the Ministry of External Affairs was part of these “ramped up” consultations.
Bangladesh’s major two parties –ruling Awami League and opposition BNP –are still at loggerheads over the nature of the polls time government, despite the fact that the elections have to be held by Jan 24.
The ruling party wants an all-party interim government while opposition demands the earlier form of caretaker regime, which was scrapped through a constitutional amendment, to oversee the polls.
This impasse allows diplomats in Dhaka to discuss Bangladesh’s own political issues with the leaders of both parties.