DHAKA, Sept 16: The Amnesty International has urged the government of Bangladesh to ensure safety and security of opposition leaders and activists participating in rallies and demonstrations.

In a statement, the Amnesty also condemned recent instances of police action against some opposition demonstrators and recommended that the government set up an independent body to investigate the incidents.

Under no circumstances should the government allow law enforcement personnel to use excessive force or subject demonstrators to torture.

On Sept 12, the police came down hard on opposition activists who were trying to lay a siege to the Prime Ministers Office to highlight their demand for reforms in election laws.