WASHINGTON, Aug 24 (AFP) - The United States alerted its citizens Tuesday to the potential for escalating civil unrest in Bangladesh, asking them to use extra care and precaution while in that country.
The US embassy in the tense Bangladesh capital of Dhaka "is advising all Americans in or traveling to Bangladesh to take extra care and precaution while going out in public and to be cognizant of the current situation," the State Department said in a statement.
It came after a nationwide strike called by the opposition Awami League to protest a deadly grenade attack on its rally at the weekend which left 20 people dead and hundreds wounded.
Opposition officials had said the attack was an attempt to assassinate party leader Sheikh Hasina Wajed, a former prime minister.
Traffic was off the roads in most Bangladesh towns and cities while shops, schools and colleges were closed and some railway services suspended, although there was no major violence.
The State Department said "there is a strong potential for widespread violence during these strikes, when strike supporters may attempt to close virtually all institutions and businesses in major urban areas, and prevent the normal circulation of vehicular traffic."
But the department added the strikes were not expected to affect normal life in Baridhara and Gulshan, the so-called diplomatic areas of Dhaka.
The statement urged American citizens in Bangladesh to remain vigilant, particularly in public places where spontaneous demonstrations might arise.
"They are further advised to avoid all demonstrations and large crowds and consider postponing travel to areas that may become potential "hotspots" for demonstrations," it said.
US Secretary of State Colin Powell had condemned the weekend attack and called for calm.
"The perpetrators of this heinous act clearly intend to undermine democracy in Bangladesh," Powell said. "They must not succeed. The US urges all parties to act with restraint."
The government of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has dismissed opposition claims it was behind the blasts.