El Secretary General from the ONU This Monday he deplored the new loss of life during the protests in Bangladesh that took place over the weekend.
In a statement, António Guterres indicated that follow the events closely in the country, including the Chief of Army Staff's announcement of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and plans for the formation of a caretaker government.
Guterres urged all parties for calm and restraint, highlighting 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 their rights to be fully respected. human rights.
Likewise, the UN head stressed the need for a complete, independent, impartial and transparent investigation to be carried out. all acts of violence.
Protect civilians on the streets
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country today in the face of massive anti-government protests, which 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.
In his daily meeting with the press at the New York headquarters, Haq also called security forces “to protect those who are on the streets of Dhaka and other cities of Bangladesh.”
At least 300 dead
Unofficial figures show at least 300 people dead, including children, since the outbreak of the student protests. The wounded, meanwhile, would exceed 20.000. This bloodshed is one of the worst ever witnessed in Bangladesh.
The riots began in July with student demonstrations against employment quotas in the public administration. Although the plan was withdrawn, protests exploded again last week demanding the resignation of the prime minister and the accountability of those responsible for the repression during the mobilizations.
Sheikh Hasina was in power since January 2009, after having led the country from 1996 to 2001. According to press reports, his departure from Bangladesh was greeted with widespread jubilation in much of the country.
There were also reports of looting and arson at the premier's residence; in a museum that commemorates the country's first president - Hasina's father -; and in the homes of high-ranking government officials.
After Hasina's departure, the head of the Bengali army announced on television that an interim government will be formed.