DHAKA: China expressed hope for Bangladesh to hold a fair election next January through holding dialogue between government and opposition parties.

 Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang on Wednesday voiced the expectation.

Qin Gang on said, "As a good and close neighbor of Bangladesh, China sincerely hopes that all concerned parties in the country will hold a participatory election.”

He urged all parties to settle disputes through dialogue, ensure a credible, smooth election for the sake of political and social stability and economic development.

Earlier on Monday, the Election Commission announced that the10th parliamentary election will be held on January 5 next year.

The 18-party opposition alliance called a countrywide road and railway blockade for 71 hours from Tuesday morning to protest the poll schedule.

BDST: 1218 HRS, NOV 28, 2013