The United Nations High Commission on Human Rights has called on all political parties, supporters and security forces to ensure a peaceful, participatory and safe environment for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.
At the same time, the issue of excessive use of force by the police must be investigated quickly and those responsible should be held accountable, it said.
This was stated in a press note published on Friday (August 4) by the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland.
It is said that several rallies of opposition parties in Bangladesh have witnessed violent attacks in recent times. Police used rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons during the rallies. Besides the police, some plainclothes men were also seen using hammers, sticks, bats and iron rods to beat the protesters. Many opposition supporters and some police were injured in these clashes. Senior opposition leaders were beaten up in broad daylight. Again, raids were conducted on their houses as members of law-enforcement organizations. Hundreds of leaders and activists of opposition parties were arrested before and during these rallies.
And even then this force must be used legally, with moderation and in accordance with the relevant principles.
That said, we call on the authorities to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for all those who have started political campaigns ahead of next year's elections. Political pluralism and the expression of different opinions should be respected with full respect for their fundamental rights and freedoms.