US to review Saturday's violent incidents for possible visa restrictions

The United States of America (US) has condemned the political violence that took place in Dhaka on Saturday and declared that it will be looking into any violent incidents for possible visa restrictions.

"The reported killing of a police officer, a political activist, and the burning of a hospital are unacceptable. As is violence against civilians, including journalists," the US embassy in Dhaka said in a statement on Saturday night.

"We call for calm and restraint on all sides," added the statement.

The BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the ruling Awami League staged rallies in the capital on Saturday. Clashes between members of political parties and law enforcement, including the police, occurred during the rallies that resulted in at least two deaths.

On May 24, the United States announced that it will restrict visas for individuals and members of their immediate family "if they are complicit in undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh."

/MHK/