Expressing concern over the ongoing violence, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said it is the government's responsibility to protect people from violence.
The UN chief made the statement during his meeting with Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali at the US State Department on the sidelines of the "White House Summit to Counter Violent Extremism", BSS reported.
Ban Ki-moon also said all political parties should exercise their political rights upholding the established democratic norms and principles.
Foreign Minister Ali briefed the UN secretary-general about the various initiatives taken by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to create an environment for an inclusive and participatory democratic process in the country.
The UN secretary-general assured the foreign minister of the UN's continued engagement with strengthening the democratic and development process in Bangladesh.
He stressed the UN would continue to have dialogues with the government to understand the evolving political situation.
Ban Ki-moon recently sent separate letters to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, urging them to take steps to bring back peace.
So far, more than 70 people have died and scores have been injured in different parts of the country in violence during the non-stop blockade enforced by the BNP-led alliance.
Of the violence, a large number of arson attacks are being conducted on highways. Hundreds of vehicles, including those belonging to law-enforcers, were attacked and set afire.
The BNP led 20-party alliance has been enforcing the non-stop nationwide blockade since January 5 in protest against the “confinement” of party chief Khaleda Zia.
