UN chief Kofi Annan is concerned about widespread political violence in Bangladesh related to the forthcoming national elections and the transitional arrangements, his spokesman said on Monday.
"The Secretary General is concerned by the violence in Bangladesh" and hopes that efforts by President Iajuddin Ahmed, who named himself head of a caretaker government, "to consult with the main political parties to find a way out of the present crisis will bring about the desired results," spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
"The Secretary General appeals to the major political forces in Bangladesh to work together to find a common ground for the elections, acting in the interest of democracy and the welfare of the entire nation," the statement added.
At least 21 people have died in the violence.
Bangladesh's national police chief vowed on Monday there would be "zero tolerance" of violence following a political crisis that sparked deadly clashes between rival parties.
His comments came as the country braced for further bloodshed after the opposition called nation-wide protests.