The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed grave concern over the ongoing pre-polls violence in Bangladesh.
HRW's Asia director Brad Adams issued a statement in this regard on Wednesday morning, just before the opposition led 18-party alliance announced their third countrywide blockade programme.
In the statement, Brad Adams said: “Violence by the main opposition party BNP protesters and excessive force by state security forces need to end in Bangladesh.”
Referring to the deaths and injuries caused by the ongoing clashes between the opposition members and the law enforcers, Brad said: “The leaders of the Awami League and BNP need to take urgent steps to avoid further deaths and abuses.”
Mentioning that opposition members have been responsible for the majority of deaths and injuries during the demonstrations, he suggested that when their members commit the crimes, political leaders should cooperate with the authorities to ensure punishment for those responsible.
Meanwhile, questioning the role of security forces, he said: “Bangladeshi security forces need to overcome their long history of using unlawful force against opposition protesters and respond in a way that is professional and non-partisan.”
Brad further said the security forces should respond to protests in accordance with international law enforcement standards, only using force when strictly necessary.
He also emphasised on the need for “responsible leadership” in the country.
“Pre-election violence has already cost too many lives in Bangladesh. Only responsible leadership can bring an end to this senseless loss of life.”
The statement has opined the government should publicly order the security forces to follow the UN Basic Principles on the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials.
“The ruling Awami League should remember the mistreatment suffered by its supporters when they were in the opposition and ensure that law enforcement agencies act within the law,” he added.
Earlier on December 1, United Nation’s human rights chief, Navi Pillay, issued a stern warning to all the parties against political violence and its legal consequences.
Besides, the governments of many countries have called on Bangladesh’s political leaders to ensure an end to violence.