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UN Chief Urges Bangladesh to Protect Minorities Amid Rising Violence

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced serious concern over escalating violence against minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus. His spokesperson emphasized that all citizens, especially non-majority groups, must feel safe and called on the government to ensure protection. The violence includes recent religiously-motivated lynchings and has drawn condemnation from US lawmakers who cite increased attacks since the political change. With elections scheduled for February, the UN stresses the need for a peaceful environment where all can participate safely.

Key Points: UN Calls for Safety of Minorities in Bangladesh Amid Violence

  • UN concern over minority violence
  • Recent lynching of Hindus
  • Call for government protection
  • International condemnation from US lawmakers
2 min read

UN Chief Guterres calls for ensuring minorities' safety in Bangladesh

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expresses deep concern over violence targeting minorities in Bangladesh, calling for safety and calm ahead of elections.

"All Bangladeshis need to feel safe - UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric"

United Nations, Dec 23

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is very concerned about the violence in Bangladesh and minorities there should feel safe, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

"All Bangladeshis need to feel safe", the spokesperson said when asked about the violence against minorities in that country and the recent lynching of Hindus.

"We're very concerned about the violence we've seen in Bangladesh", he said.

"Whether it's in Bangladesh or any of the countries, that people who don't belong to the, quote, unquote, majority need to feel safe", he added, referring to minorities.

About the regime headed by Muhammad Yunus, he said, "We're confident that the government will do what it can to keep every single Bangladeshi safe".

Following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a youth leader who had been the spokesperson for the Inquilab Mancha, after he was attacked earlier this month, minorities in Bangladesh have been hit with violence.

Violence has been simmering since the outburst after the overthrow of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August last year, and it was reignited with deadly force in the last two weeks.

Hindus unconnected to politics were lynched in recent days because of their religion.

The recent outbreak of violence has roused concern.

Last week, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk called for calm and an end to violence.

"Retaliation and revenge will only deepen divisions and undermine the rights of all", he said.

With elections scheduled for February, he said an environment in which all can participate safely and peacefully in public life was essential.

Meanwhile in Washington on Monday, two members of the House of Representatives strongly condemned the violence against Hindus and the media.

Raja Krishnamoorthi said, "I am appalled by the targeted mob killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man in Bangladesh -- an act of violence amid a period of dangerous instability and unrest".

Suhas Subramanyam, who was "deeply troubled" by the lynching of Das, noted, "Since the recent change in government, accounts of attacks against Hindu and other minority communities have increased, including on homes and temples".

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Very sad to read about the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das. Violence in the name of religion has no place in a civilized society. Hope the authorities take strong action and the elections next month are peaceful for all communities.
A
Aman W
While the concern is valid, I feel the international focus is often selective. Similar tensions exist in many regions, but the response isn't always this prompt. The call for safety is universal and must be applied consistently.
S
Sarah B
The statement "Retaliation and revenge will only deepen divisions" is so crucial. The cycle of violence helps no one. The focus must be on rule of law and creating a secure environment for the upcoming elections.
V
Vikram M
It's heartening to see Indian-origin US representatives like Raja Krishnamoorthi raising their voice. The diaspora can play a role in highlighting such issues. Stability in our neighborhood is important for the entire region's progress.
N
Nisha Z
The article mentions attacks on temples as well. This is not just about individuals but an attack on cultural heritage. Hope the government there takes concrete steps to protect both people and their places of worship.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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