More than 80 people, including at least 13 police officers, have been killed in clashes between security forces and protesters, according to media reports. Authorities have imposed a curfew and restricted internet access.
A police station in Sirajganj district, about 100 kilometres northwest of the capital Dhaka, was also attacked.
The renewed violence follows mass protests in July by students against the government, demanding an end to the ‘quota system’ for government jobs, amid rising unemployment that has reportedly left more than 200 people dead.
At least 32 children were among the dead last month.
The march for the capital is scheduled for Monday
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed deep concern over the situation, including the planned mass demonstration in Dhaka on Monday. The youth wing of the ruling Awami League party also issued a call against the protesters.
“I am deeply concerned that more lives will be lost and more destruction will occur.“I urge political leaders and security forces to uphold their obligations to protect the right to life and the freedom of peaceful assembly and expression,” he said in a rack.
He stressed the importance of accountability for human rights violations, including for those with superiors and command responsibility.
“The international community must make it clear that there will be no impunity at this crucial moment.”
Stop suppressing discontent
High Commissioner Türk also called on the government to stop attacking those peacefully participating in the protest movement and to immediately release those arbitrarily detained.
In addition, full access to the Internet must be restored and conditions must be created for meaningful dialogue.
“The continued attempts to suppress popular discontent, including through the excessive use of force, and the deliberate dissemination of disinformation and incitement to violence must be stopped immediately“, said Mr Türk.
