EU, Britain highlight need for restoration of peace, stability in Bangladesh

Both parties also urge investigation into deaths during protests which led Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee country late Monday

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – The EU and Britain on Monday separately highlighted the need for the restoration of peace and stability in the South Asian nation of Bangladesh.

“The EU calls for calm and restraint. It is vital that an orderly and peaceful transition towards a democratically elected government is ensured, in full respect of human rights and democratic principles,” said the bloc’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell in a statement.

Stressing that the union was saddened by the loss of life during weeks of student protests, he called for an impartial investigation into the killings.

Adding that accountability for human rights violations is of utmost importance, Borrell urged the immediate release of people arbitrarily detained.

“As a dedicated partner of the people of Bangladesh, the EU remains committed to the country’s prosperity and development,” he said.

Separately, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “The people of Bangladesh deserve a full and independent UN-led investigation into the events of the past few weeks.”

He also called on all parties “to work together to end the violence, restore calm, deescalate the situation and prevent any further loss of life.”

“The UK wants to see action taken to ensure Bangladesh a peaceful and democratic future,” Lammy added.

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India on Monday evening following mass demonstrations against her government, according to Indian media.

The country’s military chief Gen. Waker-uz-Zaman also announced plans for a transitional government.

Since last month, Bangladesh has witnessed large-scale protests against controversial civil service job quotas. Local media report around 400 deaths during the protests.

Kaynak:

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