'Create Conditions For Fair Elections': US And Others Call For Restraint After Violence Rocked Bangladesh's Dhaka

The US, UK and five other countries have issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over violence that took place in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Friday.

Supporters of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) during a clash with Police in Dhaka on Friday, October 28.

Days after political violence in Dhaka rocked Bangladesh with mass protests and arson, the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada among others expressed their deep "concern" and called for restraint from both sides. In an official statement, the diplomatic missions of seven countries extended their condolences and urged for normalcy asking stakeholders to create "conditions" for free and fair elections.

At least three people died while hundreds of others were left injured after tensions ran high following rallies organised by both the ruling and opposition parties in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Friday. The main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, organised a grand rally in Dhaka. He demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to pave the way for free and fair elections under a non-partisan interim government. 

Meanwhile, a statement signed by the embassies and high commissions of Australia, Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, Norway, United Kingdom, and the United States, was shard by the US embassy in Dhaka on X, formerly Twitter. "Message from the Governments of Australia, Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, Norway, United Kingdom, and the United States", the embassy captioned the post.

"The Governments of Australia, Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, Norway, 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. We call on all stakeholders to exercise restraint, eschew violence and work together to create the conditions for free, fair, participatory, and peaceful elections," the statement read.

Message from the Governments of Australia, Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, Norway, United Kingdom, and the United States. pic.twitter.com/icJ549QXzf

— U.S. Embassy Dhaka (@usembassydhaka) October 30, 2023

The conflict resulted in the tragic death of a Bangladeshi policeman and injuries to over 200 individuals, including security personnel, news agency PTI reported.

According to BNP spokesperson Zahir Uddin Swapan, police also raided the houses of key party officials and detained approximately 3,000 party workers and sympathisers.

According to witnesses, police armed with riot vehicles and water cannons took position surrounding the BNP's vacant main office, threatening harsh punitive actions against security violations "in the name of stoppage." The government deployed paramilitary border guards to ensure security as activists intensified the protests, reported PTI.

The demonstrators set a police booth on fire at Kakrail, pelted stones at the chief justice’s residence and damaged several vehicles while seeking PM Hasina's resignation.