The United Nations has reiterated its call for political dialogue and de-escalation of tensions in Bangladesh.

"I don't have an update beyond reiterating what we've said here for political dialogue and for de-escalating the tensions in Bangladesh," said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general.

He made the remarks when a journalist drew his attention about the 'arrest' of BNP Joint Secretary-General Salahuddin Ahmed during the daily briefing at UN Headquarters in New York yesterday.

The questioner also wanted to know whether there have been any further efforts to get any official from the UN to Bangladesh.

In response, the spokesman said he does not have any update but he will try to get some more for the questioner.

Family members of Salahuddin and BNP claimed that law enforcers have picked him up from a house in Dhaka.