Washington, Feb 6 (IANS/EFE): The US has condemned the ongoing wave of violence in Bangladesh since opposition protests began in the country a month ago and has asked all parties involved to show restraint.
"We condemn in the strongest terms the use of violence for political objectives. There is simply no justification for such actions in a democratic Bangladesh," said US State Department spokesperson Marie Harf Thursday.
"We call on the government to provide the necessary space for peaceful political activity, and for all parties to instruct their members to refrain from violence," she added.
There has been a wave of violence in Bangladesh amid a transport blockade and other protests organised by opposition parties which has claimed 49 lives.
General elections in Bangladesh held a year ago were boycotted by the opposition and were marked by clashes between opposition and security forces, leaving 170 people dead.