The United Nations has expressed concerns and has called upon the Bangladesh government to ensure the safety of students involved in the quota reform movement.
"We are very much aware of the situation, which we are following closely and with concern," UN Secretary-General’s Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said during a regular press briefing on Tuesday (16 July).
He emphasised the universal right to peaceful protest, adding, "I think whether it's in Bangladesh or anywhere else in the world, people have a right to demonstrate peacefully."
Dujarric reiterated the importance of protecting these rights, asserting, "It is a fundamental human right to be able to demonstrate peacefully, and governments should protect those rights."
He urged Bangladeshi authorities to shield protesters from any form of threat or violence.
"We call on the Government of Bangladesh to protect the demonstrators against any form of threat or violence, and especially those who may be protesting peacefully who may need extra protection, such as young people or children or people with disabilities," he added.
At least 6 people including students were killed across the country as clashes erupted between quota reform protesters, the leaders and activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League and the police on Tuesday (16 July).
