A spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Friday that the global body stands against attacks on Hindu minorities amid ongoing violence in Bangladesh.
Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the Secretary-General, said: “We have made it clear that we want to ensure that the violence that has been taking place in Bangladesh in recent weeks is de-escalated. Of course, we stand against any racially based attacks or incitement to racially based violence.”
Haq was responding to a question about the Secretary-General’s response to the ongoing violence.
Several videos and photos have surfaced on the internet over the past week showing incidents of Hindu temples, businesses and homes being burned down. The unrest comes after Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country amid violent protests.
Bangladeshi media reported that business establishments were vandalised in at least 27 districts. There are also reports of Hindus being targeted and killed in mob attacks.
Since Sheikh Hasina fled the country, the chaos has claimed at least 232 lives. The total number of deaths since student protests began in mid-July has risen to more than 550.
The US spokesperson also acknowledged that Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been sworn in as the head of the interim government, saying the UN expects “an inclusive process of government formation.” He also mentioned that Guterres has not yet spoken to Yunus.
Gwyn Lewis, the UN resident coordinator in Bangladesh, who attended Yunus’ swearing-in ceremony, posted on Twitter: “The UN is committed to supporting him.” [Yunus] We call for peace and inclusiveness and stand with the people of Bangladesh in this time of transition.”
Asked whether the UN would participate in any official investigation into the killings in Bangladesh, Haque said the UN would wait for any such request from the new administration.
“We certainly stand ready to support the government and people of Bangladesh in whatever way they deem necessary,” he said.
Meanwhile, India made the announcement on Friday. organizing committee Monitoring the situation on the India-Bangladesh border and the safety of Indians, Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.