UN expressed concern over increasing violence in Bangladesh, stressed on protection of minorities
United Nations. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concern over the killing of a Hindu man and other incidents of violence in Bangladesh. “Yes, we are deeply concerned by the violence that we have seen in Bangladesh,” Stephane Dujarric, the secretary-general’s spokesperson, said at the daily press briefing on Monday. He was responding to a question on the secretary-general’s response to attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, particularly the lynching of Hindus in the last few days.
“Whether it is Bangladesh or any other country, there is a need that people who are outside the ‘majority’ category should feel safe and all Bangladeshis should feel safe. We are confident that the government will do everything possible to ensure the safety of every Bangladeshi,” he said.
Last week, textile factory worker Dipu Chandra Das (25) was beaten to death by a mob in Baluka on charges of blasphemy and his body was set on fire. Two more people were arrested on Sunday in connection with Das’s murder.
The newspaper ‘Daily Star’, quoting police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) sources, said that with these arrests, so far 12 people have been detained for alleged involvement in the murder. Meanwhile, UN human rights chief Volker Turk has said he is deeply concerned by the killing of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, the leader of protests in Bangladesh last year.
Hadi was shot by miscreants a few days ago in which he was seriously injured and later died. Turk appealed to maintain peace and everyone to stay away from violence. “Retaliations will only deepen divisions and undermine the rights of all,” he said.
“I urge the authorities to investigate the attack that led to Hadi’s death in a prompt, impartial, thorough and transparent manner and ensure due process and accountability for those responsible,” he said.
With parliamentary elections scheduled for February in the country, Turk said it is important to ensure an environment in which all individuals can participate peacefully and vote freely.
“I urge the authorities to uphold the rights of freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and the safety of journalists at this critical time, and to prevent any form of violence,” Turk said.
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