UN on minority attacks in Bangladesh: ‘We stand against any racially based attacks’

A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Friday that the global body stands against attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh amid the ongoing violence.

“What we’ve made clear is we want to make sure that the violence that has been occurring in Bangladesh in recent weeks is tamped down. Certainly, we stand against any racially based attacks or racially based incitement to violence,” said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Haq was responding to a question about the Secretary-General’s reaction to the ongoing violence.

In the past week, numerous videos and pictures have surfaced on the internet documenting the burning of temples, businesses, and homes owned by the Hindu community. This unrest follows Shaikh Hasina’s resignation and flight from the country amid violent protests.

Bangladeshi media reported that business establishments have been ransacked in at least 27 districts. There have also been reports of Hindus being targeted and killed in mob attacks.

Since Sheikh Hasina fled the country, the chaos has claimed at least 232 lives. The total death toll since the student protests began in mid-July has surged to over 550.

The US spokesperson also acknowledged that Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus has been sworn in as the head of the interim government, noting that the UN hopes for “an inclusive process of forming the government.” He also mentioned that Guterres has not yet spoken to Yunus.

Gwyn Lewis, the UN resident coordinator in Bangladesh, who attended the swearing-in ceremony of Yunus posted on X: “The UN is committed to support his [Yunus] call for peace and inclusivity and stands with the people of Bangladesh through this time of transition.”

On being asked whether the UN will partake in any official investigations regarding the killings in Bangladesh, Haq said the UN will await any such request by the new administration.

“We, of course, stand ready to support the Government and people of Bangladesh in any way that they deem is necessary,” he added.

Meanwhile, India on Friday announced formation of a committee to monitor the situation on the Indo-Bangladesh border and the safety of Indians and Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.