Dhaka: Expressing grave concern over the ongoing political violence in the country, the United States ambassador in Dhaka, Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat, on Tuesday said everyone has a role in ending violence to ensure democratic space.

‘…and everyone has a role to play in stopping that violence,’ the US diplomat told reporters after over an hour-long meeting with Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali in his ministry.

She termed the ongoing level of violence across the country ‘absolute tragic situation’ at the moment.

Bernicat said Bangladesh is blessed with democracy and there is a space within that democracy to resolve differences.

‘So we reiterate our call from Washington that everyone plays a role to stop violence to move into democratic space that Bangladesh is blessed to have,’ said the diplomat.

Bernicat said she is delighted to meet the Foreign Minister, especially so soon after her arrival, and they talked about how deep and broad US’ relations with Bangladesh.

‘We’re both committed to increasing that relation even more and two people have so much in common,’ she added.

The US ambassador arrived in Dhaka on 25 January and met State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam and Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque after submitting her credentials to President Abdul Hamid.