The US today hoped that the two major political parties in Bangladesh would engage in a dialogue soon to resolve their differences on electoral system amidst escalating tension and violence over the issue.
"I am optimistic, I am hopeful we'll see a dialogue to take place... I've reasons to have that hope," US Assistant Secretary State Nisha Desai Biswal told reporters.
She acknowledged recent remarks of the Indian High Commissioner Pankaj Saran that New Delhi was in consultation with Washington on political situation in Bangladesh.
The Indian-American senior diplomat said the US was pushing for the dialogue between the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and it could be held at secretary generals level.
The US official's briefing came as Bangladesh today witnessed the installation of an "all-party" government to oversee general election to be held by January 25.
The formation of an all party government headed by Sheikh Hasina has pitted the ruling Awami League against the BNP, raising fear of violence ahead of the elections.
The opposition have long been demanding restoration of a non-party caretaker government, a constitutional provision which was annulled in June 2011.
"The development indicates the urgency of initiating the dialogue between the ruling and opposition parties," she said when asked if the formation of an all-party government in line with the ruling Awami League's plan could be an impediment in the way of proposed dialogue.
Yesterday, Biswal met Hasina and opposition leader Khaleda Zia to break the deadlock.
