DHAKA: The USA is continuously urging the major parties in Bangladesh to engage in constructive dialogue to find an agreed way forward to hold free, fair and credible elections.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Dan W Mozena expressed the stand in a statement released by embassy on Sunday.

In the statement, Mozena said that he is encouraged by developments, including most recently the telephone conversation between Prime Minister Hasina and Begum Zia.

He also hopes that these positive developments will culminate soon in a constructive dialogue between the major parties on the best way forward for achieving free, fair and credible elections.

The US diplomat said, “The US message to all political parties is that violence is not a part of the democratic process and is not acceptable instead of peaceful protest as violence is never the answer.”

He added: “We are concerned by the violence and deaths that have occurred and the Government of Bangladesh is responsible to ensure the safety of all its citizens.”

BDST: 1950 HRS, OCT 27, 2013
MJM/MMA/JCK eic@banglanews24.com