New York (BBN)-The United Nations has expressed concern over the ongoing political turmoil of Bangladesh and said its officials have been working to help resolve the crisis through a peaceful path.
On Bangladesh’s position as a peacekeeping contributed country, the UN however said that the political concern is different from the issue of peacekeepers in UN missions.
“As you know, we continue to have our concerns that that hasn't happened and that there has been violence,” said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, during a briefing.
He was briefing at the UN chief’s office in New York on February 5.
“Well, the political process is separate and apart from the issue of peacekeepers in UN missions, who are under the control ultimately of the mission,” he said in reply to a question.
The spokesperson also said that “regarding the situation in Bangladesh, we've made our concerns known”.
“We have continually encouraged and continue to encourage the authorities to allow for peaceful protest and for the right to peaceful assembly, the UN spokesperson said.
He also said that the UN men, including the senior officials from Department for Political Affairs, have repeatedly visited Bangladesh and tried to meet with the leaders to find a way to resolve the crisis peacefully.
The UN is also trying continuously to be in touch with the leaders from Awami League and BNP to make sure that they can resolve their differences, the spokesperson said.
BBN/ASI-7Feb15-11:00am