Bangladesh: UN calls for peaceful transition as PM resigns and flees country
Secretary-General António Guterres “continues to closely monitor developments in the country,” UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said in a declare.
“He called for calm and restraint from all sides. and stressed the importance of a peaceful, orderly and democratic transition,” he added.
The head of the United Nations also expressed “full solidarity with the people of Bangladesh” and called for full respect for their human rights.
“He continued to emphasize There needs to be a full, independent, fair and transparent investigation into all acts of violence.”, Mr. Haq noted.
Hundreds of people died in the crackdown
More than 300 people, including many childrenbelieved to have been killed since Student-led protests broke out in Julyand more than 20,000 people were injured. The bloodshed was one of the worst ever witnessed in Bangladesh.
The unrest began in July with student protests against civil service job quotas. Although the plan was scrapped, Protests broke out again last week.with the main demands being that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resign and those responsible for the violent suppression of the protests be held accountable.
Ms Hasina has been in power since January 2009, having previously led the country from 1996 to 2001.
Media reports of her departure from Bangladesh were met with widespread jubilation across the country.
There were also reports of looting and arson at the prime minister’s residence; a museum commemorating the country’s first president and Hasina’s father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman; and the homes of senior government officials.
The Bangladesh army chief announced in a nationally televised address after his departure that an interim government would be formed, although no further details were provided.
There must be no revenge.
Also on Monday, Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, underlined the importance of the transition of power in Bangladesh being “peaceful and guided by human rights”.
“The transition must be conducted in a transparent and accountable manner and must be inclusive and open to meaningful participation of all Bangladeshis,” he said in a statement.
“There must be no further acts of violence or retaliation.“
Mr. Türk stressed that democratic order and the rule of law must be guaranteed as soon as possible, and any emergency measures must be limited in accordance with international law.
Anyone arbitrarily detained must be released, and all those responsible for human rights violations must be held accountable. He stressed that underlying issues and complaints must be addressed.
Independent investigations are being pushed
The High Commissioner reiterated his call for a comprehensive, impartial and transparent investigation into all allegations of human rights violations since July.
“In the current circumstances and to ensure public confidence, an independent investigation should be conducted and my Office stands ready to support this,” he said.
“Demands for justice and reform must be heeded.“, he added.
“This is a time for healing, including an immediate end to violence, accountability that ensures victims’ rights to truth and reparations, and a truly inclusive process that unites the country on a path forward.”
