un-following-situation-in-bangladesh-very-closely

The United Nations is closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and subsequent escape from the country, a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday.

 

Farhan Haq, the UN Deputy Spokesperson, stated during a daily briefing that the UN is paying close attention to developments in the South Asian nation.

 

"We continue to call for calm and restraint and to urge all parties to respect the right to peaceful assembly and expression," Haq said. He added that the UN encourages security forces to protect those demonstrating in Dhaka and other cities across Bangladesh.

 

Responding to a question from the Press Trust of India, Haq emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and orderly conduct. "For us, the important things are for the parties to remain calm, and we want to emphasise the importance of a peaceful, orderly and democratic transition.

 

"We stand in full solidarity with the people of Bangladesh at this time and we call for full respect for their democratic and human rights. And ultimately, regarding what's happened so far, there's a need for a full, independent and impartial investigation into all acts of violence." Haq mentioned that the UN is in contact with regional authorities and that the UN country team is in touch with Bangladeshi authorities.

 

"Right now, the situation is moving very swiftly. We'll have to see what happens once the dust settles," he said.

 

Chaos erupted in Bangladesh as Prime Minister Hasina discreetly resigned and fled the country in a military aircraft, leaving a power vacuum that the army has since filled.

 

Following the news of Hasina’s departure, hundreds of people stormed her residence, vandalising and looting the interiors, intensifying the anti-government protests that have claimed more than 300 lives in the past two weeks.