He Secretary General of the UN deplored this Monday the new loss of life during protests in Bangladesh over the weekend.
In a statement, António Guterres said that follow the events closely in the country, including the announcement by the Chief of Army Staff of the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and plans for the formation of an interim government.
Guterres urged all parties to remain calm and restrainedhighlighting the importance of a peaceful, orderly and democratic transition.
Impartial investigation
The Secretary-General expressed his solidarity with the people of Bangladesh and called for full respect for their human rights.
Likewise, the head of the UN stressed the need for a complete, independent, impartial and transparent investigation of all acts of violence.
Protecting civilians on the streets
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country today amid massive anti-government protests that have left hundreds of demonstrators dead in recent weeks.
UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq urged all parties to respect the rights of assembly and expression peaceful.
At his daily press briefing at the New York headquarters, Haq also called on security forces “to protect those who are on the streets from Dhaka and other cities in Bangladesh.”
At least 300 dead
Unofficial figures indicate that at least 300 people have died, including children, since the outbreak of student protests. The number of wounded, meanwhile, would exceed 20,000This bloodshed is one of the worst ever witnessed in Bangladesh.
The riots began in July with Student protests against public service employment quotasAlthough the plan was withdrawn, protests erupted again last week demanding the resignation of the prime minister and accountability for those responsible for the repression during the demonstrations.
Sheikh Hasina was in power since January 2009having led the country from 1996 to 2001. According to press reports, his departure from Bangladesh was greeted with widespread jubilation across much of the country.
There were also reports of looting and arson at the prime minister’s residence; a museum commemorating the country’s first president – Hasina’s father; and the homes of senior government officials.
Following Hasina’s departure, the head of the Bengali army announced on television that an interim government would be formed.
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