UN Secretary-General closely monitoring developments in Bangladesh, condemns deaths in protests

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is closely monitoring the developments in Bangladesh and has condemned the loss of life in the country during the protests.

he/she urged all parties to maintain calm and restraint and stressed the importance of a peaceful, orderly and democratic transition.

“The Secretary-General condemns the further loss of life during protests in Bangladesh over the weekend. he/she is closely following developments in the country, including the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the announcement by the army chief of plans to form an interim government,” a statement from the Secretary-General’s office said.

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.

“The Secretary-General stands in full solidarity with the people of Bangladesh and calls for full respect for their human rights,” the statement said, adding that he/she stresses the need for a full, independent, impartial and transparent investigation into all acts of violence.

Meanwhile, people from all sections of society marched towards Chittagong and distributed sweets in celebration. People took to the streets to celebrate after news broke that Sheikh Hasina had left Bangladesh, reports Dhaka Tribune.

The report said the joyous procession began at 3pm on Monday and passed through Muradpur, Agarabad, Dewanhat, Chowkbazar, GEC, Sholshahar, Kazir Deori, Jamalkhan, Bahadurhat and every part of the city.

Political instability continues in Bangladesh as the country’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned from her post in the wake of growing protests. The protests by students demanding the abolition of the quota system in government jobs have taken the form of anti-government protests.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Hasina arrived in India on Monday evening after resigning in the wake of growing protests in Dhaka.

It is not clear whether the Bangladeshi Prime Minister will stay in Delhi or travel to another location. Reports in Bangladeshi media outlets have speculated that Sheikh Hasina may travel to London.

Meanwhile, in Dhaka, leaders of the anti-discrimination student movement have proposed an interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus to tackle Bangladesh’s current challenges.