Britain, the former colonial power in Bangladesh, called for calm on Monday after three days of widespread political violence in the country.
Foreign Office minister Kim Howells urged restraint after protests over President Iajuddin Ahmed's decision to name himself head of a caretaker government to oversee elections due in January.
At least 21 people have died in the violence.
"I am deeply concerned at the violence in Bangladesh in recent days," Howells said in a statement.
"I call for restraint and an end to that violence.
"I look to the caretaker government to act with neutrality in line with the constitution and in the best interests of the Bangladeshi people, and to all political parties to work towards free, fair and peaceful elections."
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.