7 foreign missions urge restraint following two days of violence

At least seven foreign missions in Bangladesh have issued a statement calling on all stakeholders to exercise restraint, refrain from violence and work together to create the conditions for free, fair, participatory and peaceful elections.

The joint statement signed by Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, Norway, the UK and the US was posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) today.

The statement said they were deeply concerned by the violence during the political gatherings in Dhaka on October 28 and extended their condolence for the loss of life and those injured.

At least five people, including a policeman, were killed during violence on October 28 and during the hartal yesterday.

Following a rally on October 28 and yesterday's hartal, opposition BNP announced a three-day blockade from October 31 to November 2, calling for the formation of a caretaker government for a free and fair election.

The ruling Awami League says the elections will be held under the current government as per the constitution.