Dhaka, Aug 21 (IANS): Bangladesh's ruling and opposition parties should resolve the current political stalemate through dialogue, Chinese ambassador Li Jun said Wednesday.

"As a near neighbor and friendly country, China is very concerned about Bangladesh's political situation. We hope Bangladesh could keep peace and stability," Xinhua quoted Li as telling the media here.

The briefing was held mainly to brief the visit of Chinese navy hospital ship Peace Ark to Chittagong.

It is the first time the Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh had said anything in public on the country's political situation.

"Awami League and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have many common grounds. Both of them hope the next national election will be participated by all political parties in a transparent, free and fair manner." Li said.

"Their only bones of contention is how to hold the election.

"If the two parties can hold face-to-face dialogue, it will be beneficial to all stakeholders. They should express goodwill, instead of aggressive words and deeds, to each other."

The ambassador said the final resolution depends on Bangladeshi people.

"I believe the Bangladesh politician has enough wisdom to resolve the political deadlock," Li said.

Political tension in Bangladesh has heightened since December after the BNP-led opposition alliance geared up anti-government programmes demanding restoration of a non-party caretaker government system.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami league has repeatedly refused to meet the demand.