Political parties in Bangladesh must unite to strengthen parliamentary democracy, said Dan W Mozena, the US ambassador to Bangladesh, at a discussion here yesterday.

Terming Bangladesh's democracy “new”, the ambassador said, despite being a tough and messy process, Bangladesh is working to engage its citizens in building democracy and refine its democratic institutions.

The discussion, “Strength-ening democracy in Chittagong area: The role and responsibilities of women and youths”, was organised by USAID at Theatre Institute, Chittagong.

Chittagong City Corporation Mayor Manjur Alam, BNP city unit President Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Jatiya Party Presidium member Sulaiman Alam Seth and Democracy International Chief of Party Dr Owen Lippert also spoke at the discussion.