UN human right chief urges accountability, dialogue after 75 victims killed in Bangladeshi protests

ISTANBUL

The UN human rights chief urged accountability and dialogue after reports of deadly violence in Bangladesh on Friday.

“All sides must exercise restraint and security forces must ensure that the use of force is in line with international human rights law,” said Volker Turk.

Bangladesh imposed a curfew across the nation and deployed the military as the death toll from violent student protests climbed to 75.

At least 30 victims were killed Friday as anti-government demonstrations raged in the South Asian nation, police sources in Dhaka told Anadolu.

“Engaging the young population is the best and only way forward,” Turk added.

More than 2,000 people have been injured in the fighting across the country.

Bangladesh has seen protests surge this week against a 56% quota system in public jobs, with the government closing educational institutions.

Students have, however, refused to leave college and university campuses.

Thirty percent of the 56% quota in public jobs has been reserved for the sons and grandsons of those who participated in Bangladesh’s war of liberation in 1971.​​​​​​​

The government is expected to file an appeal Sunday with the Supreme Court to reduce the quota to 20%.

• Bangladesh
• UN
• UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk