The Secretary-General met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, H.E. Ms. Dipu Moni, and exchanged views on the current situation in Bangladesh. 

The Secretary-General expressed his condolences to the Government and the people of Bangladesh for the loss of life and suffering caused by the recent collapse of garment factories. 

The Secretary-General stressed the critical importance for the political leaders of Bangladesh to engage in constructive dialogue, with a view to defusing tensions and resolving differences, including on governance arrangements during the upcoming election period.    

The Secretary-General also reiterated his increasing concern about the recent wave of violence and underlined the need for all concerned to respect the law and express their views peacefully.