Bangladesh: UN watching crisis ‘very closely’ as PM resigns and flees the country
The United Nations is following the situation in Bangladesh very closely after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country on Monday.
“We continue to call for calm and restraint and urge all parties to respect the right to peaceful assembly and expression,” Farhan Haq, UN Deputy Spokesperson told the daily briefing at UN Headquarters in New York.
“We urge security forces to protect those out on the streets in Dhaka and other cities of Bangladesh,” he added.
More To Read
- Chad authorities arrest son of Boko Haram founder Mohamed Yusuf
- US approves Sh44 billion weapons sale to boost Nigeria’s fight against insurgency
- Air Tanzania secures Nigerian permit for direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Lagos
- Murkomen warns vandalism, arson and looting now considered terrorism in Kenya
- Kenya joins list of nations with worsening human rights record
- LSK President Faith Odhiambo tears into Murkomen for misusing terror charges to silence dissent
He also emphasized the importance of a peaceful, orderly and democratic transition, adding that the UN stands in full solidarity with the people of Bangladesh at this time.
“We call for the full respect of their democratic and human rights,” he said, noting also the need for a full, independent, impartial and transparent investigation into all acts of violence.
More than 300 people, including many children, are said to have been killed since student-led protests erupted, and more than 20,000 injured. The bloodshed was among the worst ever witnessed in Bangladesh.
The unrest began in July with protests by students against civil service job quotas. Though the scheme was withdrawn, protests erupted again last week, with the key demand for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to quit and for those responsible for the violent suppression of demonstrations to be held accountable.
Ms. Hasina had been in power since January 2009, having earlier led the country from 1996 to 2001.
Media reports suggest her departure from Bangladesh was met with widespread jubilation across much of the country.
There were also reports of ransacking and arson at the Prime Ministerial residence; a museum commemorating the country’s first President and Ms. Hasina’s father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman; and homes of senior government officials.
Bangladesh’s army chief announced in a televised national address following her departure that an interim government would be formed, although no further details were provided.
Top Stories Today
- Absa launches women-only Islamic bank account to spur financial inclusion
- Nigeria to impose retaliatory visa rules in response to US social media requirement
- Murang’a Seal FC parts ways with head coach Yusuf Chipo
- NTSA to conduct free school bus inspections in new campaign to curb accidents
- Court suspends Ruto’s anti-corruption taskforce pending hearing of case
- Service delivery at risk as Treasury delays Sh34.6 billion July allocation to counties
