Expressing deep shock at the loss of lives and injuries during the series of violent protests, the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union in separate statements yesterday called for practising restraint.
They also condemned Tuesday’s attack on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s Adviser Reaz Rahman in the capital.
Deputy Spokesperson of the US Department of State Marie Harf in a press statement, issued hours after the attack, said: “There is no justification for such outrageous and cowardly acts in a democratic Bangladesh. We condemn the use of violence for political objectives.”
She also urged the Government of Bangladesh to investigate, track down and hold accountable those responsible for these acts.
The statement also reads: “We urge all sides to refrain from acts of violence. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and eschew violence and intimidation, and we urge the government to ensure people can freely exercise their right to peaceful political expression.”
Meanwhile, the BNP-led 20-party alliance called nationwide dawn-to-dusk shutdown for today protesting the attack on Reaz Rahman.
The US embassy in Dhaka yesterday issued a press release saying: “We are saddened by reports of deaths and injuries across the country. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who have suffered. We condemn violence from all sides.”
On the other hand, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Gibson expressed his deep sadness and concern at the attack on Reaz Rahman and continuing reports of violence.
“I deplore the horrific attack against the former minister of state for foreign affairs, Reaz Rahman, and am deeply saddened by the news of the attack on a bus in Rangpur, which resulted in tragic loss of life and injury. I send my deepest sympathies to the victims and their families.”
He also asked the government to investigate these crimes, and bring those responsible to justice.
“The UK continues to call for all parties to exercise restraint and moderation and respect the rule of law, and to come together in a dialogue to break the cycle of violence and disruption,” Gibson said.
EU for genuine dialogue
Meanwhile, the heads of Mission of the European Union resident in Bangladesh expressed concern over the current political situation in the country and called for genuine dialogue to strengthen democracy, reports UNB.
The diplomats, led by EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Pierre Mayaudon, met Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali at state guest house Padma yesterday.
They regretted the ongoing violence and disruption in the country, which has resulted in several deaths, hundreds of injuries and the destruction of property, according to a message issued by the Delegation of European Union to Bangladesh.
The statement also mentioned the “aggression” perpetrated against Reaz Rahman as well as the horrific attack against the passengers of a bus in Rangpur.
The heads of mission expressed concern on the shrinking democratic space. “Actions to restore peace and stability should not be at the expense of freedoms of assembly, movement and speech,” the statement said.
During the meeting, the foreign minister also expressed his sadness at the shooting on Reaz Rahman by miscreants. He said the government would ensure a thorough investigation into the incident. “It has already instructed the Dhaka Metropolitan Police to remain seized with the matter.”
The minister also said since neither Reaz Rahman nor members of his family agreed to file a case, the police on its own volition lodged a case in this regard.