He made the remarks responding to the news agency's query about BNP Secretary General Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan's rejection of dialogue at the US ambassador's residence.

"The US Embassy has long supported direct contacts between the main ruling and opposition parties to reduce tensions and strengthen prospects for a successful election," said the spokesman.

"We do not support or oppose any party, and it is not our role or desire to mediate any [political] process between the parties," he added.

"Like many Bangladeshis we hope that political parties will use democratic means to resolve their disputes, and we believe that dialogue, not violence, is the best way to build consensus for broad participation in the election," the spokesman said.