As Bangladesh reels under a spate of targeted killings, the United Nations has expressed concern at the “dramatic increase” in murders, including that of people belonging to religious minority groups. In a wide-ranging opening speech at the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al-Hussein called for investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators.
“I am very concerned about the dramatic increase in number of brutal murders in Bangladesh that target freethinkers, liberals, religious minorities and LGBT activists,” he said, urging “all government officials, political and religious leaders to unequivocally condemn these attacks on freedom, and to do more to protect affected groups”.
Meanwhile, the government said categorically that Bangladesh does not need help from any foreign country or government to protect members of its minority communities.
Dhaka alleges conspiracyAddressing a press conference on Monday, Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu claimed that attacks on people belonging to minority communities are part of a conspiracy “to embarrass the government”. The Minister was replying to a question on a news item circulated by Press Trust of India (PTI) that said that “two leaders from Bangladesh’s Hindu community” had sought assistance from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Minister claimed that the government’s tough stance has already ensured the rights of religious minority groups, adding: “The government is working to maintain harmony. Puja s are celebrated alongside Eid . They [minorities] can practise their faith because the government is providing security.” “So I don’t believe there is a need to urge the leader of a neighbouring country for ensuring security.”
Since the beginning of a crackdown on terrorists and extremists on Friday, law enforcement officials have arrested a total of 5,287 people, of which 85 have suspected militant links.
