The United Nations’ Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has spoken against any racially motivated attacks or incitement to violence in Bangladesh, according to his deputy spokesman Farhan Haq. The statement is in response to recent violence against the Hindu minority community in the country.
During the past few weeks, there have been cases of vandalism on various Hindu temples, houses and businesses. At least two Hindus leaders associated with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League were killed within this period. It reached its peak on Monday.
However, it should be noted that this violence is not limited only to the Hindu community. Thus far reports indicate that 232 people have died from widespread brutalities across the nation since last Monday when protests against reservation begun; thus, a total of 560 persons have lost their lives so far.
Haq said that about Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus being inaugurated as head of an interim government “the UN hopes for inclusive process of government formation” adding that any decline in violence and more restraint shown by the public was good.
Gwen Lewis, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, attended the swearing-in ceremony although Secretary General Guterres himself did not congratulate or speak with Yunus personally.
On being asked if United Nations would participate in investigations regarding the recent killings in Bangladesh a request Haq reported that UN would consider any formal request from newly constituted government saying that they are ready to help and support Bangladeshi people and leadership whenever needed.
