Bangladesh's opposition has called for a two -day general strike beginning Tuesday, to protest a grenade attack that killed at least 19 people at an opposition rally last week.
The opposition Awami League says Saturday's attack was an attempt to assassinate the party's leader, Sheikh Hasina. The government has denied any involvement and promised a full investigation.
Thousands of activists marched in Dhaka Monday chanting anti-government slogans to protest the attack.
In Washington, Secretary of State Colin Powell condemned the attack.
He called Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia Monday, saying President Bush also denounced the violence.
Bangladeshi officials say Mr. Powell expressed satisfaction with the measures the government has taken following the incident.
On Sunday, Mr. Powell called Ms. Hasina to offer his condolences and his support for a full investigation.