View of Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh. Volker Türk calls for end to violence in Bangladesh Human Rights
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called for an immediate end to the violence in Bangladesh. According to media reports, clashes between security forces and demonstrators during anti-government protests in the country have left about 300 people, including police officers, dead.
According to the latest reports, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and left the country. Earlier, the authorities imposed a curfew and restricted access to the internet.
Volker Türk expressed deep concern about the situation.
“I urge the political leadership and security forces to uphold their obligations to protect the right to life, as well as freedom of peaceful assembly and expression,” Türk said.
He stressed the importance of accountability for human rights violations, including for those in positions of authority and command.
“The international community must send a clear message that there will be no impunity at this crucial time,” the UN human rights chief said.
He also called for an end to the persecution of those peacefully participating in the protest movement and for the immediate release arbitrarily detained. Along with this, it is necessary to restore full access to the Internet and create conditions for meaningful dialogue, Turk emphasized.