The European Union has asked the political leaders of Bangladesh to create favourable conditions for peaceful, inclusive and transparent city corporation elections.
The politico-economic union of 28 member European states made the call in a statement issued on Friday.
In the statement the EU said: "In the run up to the vote for the mayoral elections in Dhaka and Chittagong, all sides must refrain from any actions that could spark further violence in Bangladesh."
It said voters must be given the opportunity to express freely their democratic choice.
"All political actors should take concrete steps to end violence, de-escalate tensions and engage in a constructive manner, for the long-term stability and democratic development of Bangladesh," the statement reads.
The elections to Dhaka and Chittagong City Corporations are set to be held on April 28.
The aspirants have been spending busy days in campaigning.
Meanwhile, the motorcade of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia came under attack thrice during her campaigns for the party-backed candidates.