New York (BBN)-The United Nations has reiterated its concern over the political violence and the loss of lives that Bangladesh has been witnessing since the beginning of January.
“Bangladesh, as you know, is a critical partner of the United Nations in many areas. And obviously, I think, as we've said here a number of times, we are very much concerned about the violence and the loss of life that's occurred in Bangladesh since the beginning of last year,” said an UN spokesperson.
Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary general, made the statement in response to a query on whether UN should do more to restore democracy in Bangladesh and to hold free and fair and credible elections.
The UN spokesperson was holding a regular briefing at the headquarters on February 11.
“As you rightly put it, the [former] Assistant Secretary‑General in charge of [Political Affairs] Oscar Fernández-Taranco has been tasked by the Secretary-General to liaise with Bangladesh government and he's doing just that,” said the spokesperson.
UN SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon is personally committed to the stability and positive development of Bangladesh, he said.
Earlier in last week, the UN expressed its concern on the ongoing political violence including arson attack in Bangladesh.
In the last statement, it said it will continue to be in touch with the leaders of ruling Awami League and the BNP in order to resolve the political crisis.
So far, more than 70 people mostly innocent were killed and scores injured in different parts of the country during the ongoing non-stop blockade alongside frequent strike enforced by the BNP-led 20-party alliance.
The alliance has been enforcing the political programmes demanding a fresh election.
They are also protesting the “confinement” of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at her Gulshan office.
Khaleda, also a former premier of Bangladesh, has been staying at her Gulshan office since January 3.
Khaleda called the blockade of roads, railways and waterways after she was barred from coming out of her Gulshan office on January 5.
BNP said its party chief was “confined” but the government denied the allegation though it had put additional law enforcers and sand-laden trucks in front of Khaleda’s office.
The government however removed the security barriers after 16 days on January 19.
Hundreds of vehicles were also torched and vandalised during the political agitation.
BBN/SS/AA-12Feb15-5:00pm (BST)