UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concern over the arrests and detentions related to the quota reform movement.
Voice of America reported on Tuesday (30 July) that UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Monday (29 July) that the UN Secretary-General is concerned about the reports of thousands of youths and opposition political activists being arrested in the recent student movement.
Dujarric stated that Guterres has received reports of new student protests and has reiterated calls for peace and restraint. He is worried about credible evidence of human rights violations and the excessive use of force by security forces.
Dujarric further said that the UN continues to raise its concerns about the situation in the country with the relevant authorities in Dhaka and New York. As the country contributing the most troops to UN peacekeeping missions, he believes Bangladesh will uphold human rights.
Regarding the use of vehicles marked with UN insignia, Dujarric noted that the UN has taken into account the government’s statement that military vehicles with the UN insignia have been removed from the streets.
He added that countries assisting with UN troops and police will only use UN insignia and equipment when working as part of UN peacekeeping or political missions.
