Washington has expressed its concern over the escalating violence and deaths in political clashes in Bangladesh.
“We are concerned about the violence and deaths that have occurred,” said a statement issued by the US embassy in Dhaka on Sunday evening.
“We look to the Bangladesh government to ensure the safety of all its citizens and encourage all Bangladeshis to peacefully express their views,” it said.
The statement called on all parties to ensure that they use peaceful means to pursue their objectives and said “violence is never the answer”.
About the election, it said America continued to urge the major parties
in Bangladesh to engage in constructive dialogue to find an agreed way forward to hold free, fair and credible elections.
“Ambassador Mozena said he is encouraged by developments, including most recently the telephone conversation between Prime Minister Hasina and Begum Zia, and hopes these positive developments will culminate soon in a constructive dialogue between the major parties on the best way forward for achieving free, fair and credible elections,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Japanese Ambassador Shiro Sadoshima expressed his deep concern over the continuing escalation of violence and hostility in Dhaka and all over Bangladesh.
“Japan, as a long-time friend and important stakeholder of Bangladesh, while condemning any kind of violence and destructive activities, urges the restraint of both ruling and opposition parties so as not to cause any loss on its citizen’s safety and welfare over the path of the resolving the political confrontation,” the ambassador said.
Meanwhile, foreign diplomats on Saturday welcomed the dialogue between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia.
British High Commissioner Robert Gibson welcomed the constructive dialogue between Awami League and BNP.
“Like so many others in Bangladesh, I welcome news of progress towards a continued and constructive dialogue between the Awami League and BNP, and hope we will not witness further violence over the coming days,” he said.
When contacted the Chinese embassy informed the Dhaka Tribune that Chinese ambassador went to China and during his absence, it might not give any statement on the current situation.
It, however, said they hoped the efforts for dialogue would be continued.
“As H.E. Li Jun has said for several time, the Chinese side believes that dialogue is better than confrontation and peaceful dialogue is the only way to solve the current crisis,” an email from Chinese embassy said.
