The Foreign Affairs Department has stepped up its travel advice to Bangladesh, warning Australians to ''reconsider'' their need to travel in the wake of volatile elections in the country.
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Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has also joined international calls for fresh polls, given that less than half the parliamentary seats were contested and voter turnout was low.
''The Australian government condemns the attacks against minorities, and calls on all sides to end the political violence,'' Ms Bishop said in a statement. ''It is vital that the people of Bangladesh are able to express their democratic will and exercise real choice.''
The ruling Awami League was easily returned on January 5 after an opposition boycott.
At least 18 people were killed in clashes on election day. In the wake of the poll, protesters firebombed polling stations and police said they opened fire on angry crowds.
On Wednesday, the Department of Foreign Affairs warned that ''due to continuing political conflict following the general elections'' general strikes, transport blockades and violent clashes between political groups and security forces are ''likely''.
As a result, DFAT upgraded its travel advisory from ''exercise a high degree of caution'' to ''reconsider your need to travel'', the second highest of four warnings.
There are currently 779 Australian citizens registered with DFAT's Smartraveller service as being in Bangladesh.
The travel warning was last at ''reconsider your need to travel'' in 2007 following security concerns after elections in January 2007.
with AAP
