UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concern over the reports of violence at political rallies in Bangladesh on October 28. 

"I have been asked about the situation in Bangladesh, and I can tell you that the secretary-general is concerned about reports of violence at political rallies in Bangladesh, in which at least nine people have died and numerous people have been injured," his spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said at a regular noon briefing at the UN in New York, US, on Monday (October 30).

"He calls on all parties to refrain from violence or any excessive use of force or arbitrary detention. He also stresses the need to respect the right of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly."

Replying to a question, Stéphane said, “…we obviously are concerned, as I said, by the violence.  We still think that it is important that there be calm and respect for all people’s freedom to express themselves in advance of the elections.

“But I don’t think anyone wants to prejudge the elections,” he said.

BDST: 1628 HRS, OCT 31, 2023
MN/SMS