All citizens need to feel safe: UN chief on lynching and media office arsons

DHAKA: The UN, its officials and a group of US lawmakers expressed concern over the violence in Bangladesh, including the lynching of a Hindu man in Mymemsingh and arson at newspaper offices, with UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres stressing Bangladeshis need to feel safe.“Yes, we’re very concerned about the violence that we’ve seen in Bangladesh,” said the secretary-general’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, at a briefing. Asked about attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, Dujarric said whether it is in Bangladesh or any other country, “people who do not belong to the majority need to feel safe and all Bangladeshis need to feel safe”. UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk said, “Retaliation and revenge will only deepen divisions and undermine the rights of all.” US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said, “I am appalled by the targeted mob killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man in Bangladesh — an act of violence amid a period of dangerous instability and unrest.” While authorities have reported arrests, they must also take urgent action to protect religious minorities from violence, he said.Mob attacks on leading media outlets and cultural centres are deeply alarming and must be investigated effectively, said Irene Khan, UN special rapporteur on freedom of expression and opinion.