US, 6 other countries call for restraint after clashes erupted across Bangladesh
Regarding the issue, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam noted that the statements from the seven states do not align with their previous positions. “There is a lack of consistency. It is up to them to maintain consistency in their statements.”
Diplomatic missions of seven countries, including the United States, yesterday called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint, avoid violence and work together to create the conditions for free, fair, participatory, and peaceful elections in Bangladesh.
"The governments of Australia, Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States are deeply concerned by the violence during political gatherings in Dhaka on 28 October and extend our condolences for the loss of life and to those injured," said the joint statement published from the verified Facebook page of the US Embassy in Dhaka on Monday.
"We call on all stakeholders to exercise restraint, eschew violence and work together to create the conditions for free, fair, participatory, and peaceful elections," it added.
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Regarding the issue, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam noted that the statements from the seven states do not align with their previous positions. "There is a lack of consistency. It is up to them to maintain consistency in their statements."
Issuing statements regarding internal matters is not the norm, he added.
Earlier, the European Union (EU) and its member states in Dhaka expressed concern over the recent political violence and loss of lives in Bangladesh.
"The European Union and its member states in Dhaka are deeply saddened to see the loss of life and violence on the streets of Dhaka — vital that a peaceful way forward for participatory and peaceful elections is found," European Union in Bangladesh wrote in its X, formerly known as Twitter, handler on Sunday.
The US said it would review all violent incidents that took place during political programmes in Dhaka on 28 October for potential visa restrictions.
At least two people, including a police constable, were killed and scores injured as parts of Dhaka turned into pitch battlefields when BNP activists, law enforcers, and Awami League activists locked into violent clashes on 28 October during the rallies of the parties.
