"We discussed current political situation and I was very reassured that Khaleda Zia called her party members to maintain restraint," Butenis told reporters after nearly an hour-long meeting with the immediate-past prime minister in the evening.

"Violence never could be an option," the US envoy said and called for nonpartisan and impartial role of the caretaker government to ensure fair elections wherein all political parties could participate.

BNP Secretary General Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan and BNP Chairperson's Adviser M Morshed Khan were present at the meeting.

Briefing reporters, Morshed Khan said the meeting took place at the request of the US ambassador. He said they (diplomats) expressed their concern over the recent violence, which, Butenis said, does not match with the tradition of Bangladesh.

Butenis called for united efforts to overcome the situation and extending all cooperation to the caretaker government in accomplishing its mandated task of holding free and fair elections.

Asked about AL-led 14-party combine's demands, Morshed said it is the matter of caretaker government. "If there is any reasonable demand, the caretaker government can do whatever necessary."