United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Türk released a statement on Friday, calling for calm in Bangladesh after a riot-like situation erupted in the country following the death of a youth leader.
United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Türk released a statement on Friday, calling for calm in Bangladesh after a riot-like situation erupted in the country following the death of a youth leader.
In his statement, Türk also urged Bangladeshi authorities to conduct a “prompt, impartial, thorough, and transparent” investigation into the attack that led to Sharif Osman Bin Hadi’s death, and to ensure due process and accountability for those responsible.
He urged different parties in the country to remain calm, requesting everyone to refrain from violence. “Retaliation and revenge will only deepen divisions and undermine the rights of all,” he said in his Friday statement.
Massive demonstrations erupted at various locations around the country shortly after Hadi’s demise was announced on Thursday. The Bangladeshi youth leader succumbed to his injury at a hospital in Singapore, six days after he was assassinated.
Riot-like situation erupts in Bangladesh
Amid the protests, the buildings of two prominent Bangladeshi newspapers were vandalised, leaving many employees injured and trapped in their offices for hours.
Apart from this, violent protesters also targeted Indian diplomats stationed in Dhaka, with the mob barging into the residence of the Indian Assistant High Commissioner to Bangladesh.
The violence and disruption are coming at a time when the country is scheduled to conduct elections in February this year. In his statement, Türk said it was vital to ensure an environment in which all individuals can participate safely and peacefully in public life and freely express different views.
“I urge the authorities to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and security of journalists at this critical time, and prevent further escalation of unrest,” Türk said.
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