On Friday, The White House called the government of Bangladesh to fully investigate reports of violence against journalists and human rights activists ahead of a major political protest.
During the recent clash with the country's largest opposition party BNP, police killed one-person and wounded more than 60 people, according to local media reports.
The Voice of America, meanwhile, reported that thousands of BNP members had been arrested over the past month ahead of a protest planned by the party in Dhaka on Saturday that activists say could attract 1 million people, reports Reuters.
The United States is concerned about the reports and is monitoring developments in Bangladesh "very, very closely," national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters.
Kirby said the United States was continuing to call for the right of Bangladesh citizens to engage in peaceful protests without fear, intimidation, harassment or violence.
"We call on all parties in Bangladesh to respect the rule of law, to refrain from violence. We want to see them refrain from harassment, intimidation, and we call on the government to ensure that no party or candidate threatens, incites or conducts violence against any other party," he said
Kirby said Washington was also urging government authorities in Bangladesh to "fully investigate reports of violence in a thorough, transparent and impartial manner."
The protest comes ahead of the general election planned in Bangladesh next year.
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