The European Union, France and Australia have joined other countries of the world in condemning the recent killings in Bangladesh and urged the authorities to quickly investigate the murders and bring the culprits behind the killings to justice.
“Thorough investigations into these killings need to take place to ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” said the Spokesperson of European External Action Service (EEAS) in a statement from Brussels.
Two Bangladeshi “LGBTI activists” were brutally murdered in a horrifying attack in Dhaka on Monday, which also left a policeman and a security guard injured. With the killings of a law student on April 6 and of an English language Prof on April 23, this is already the third violent attack in Bangladesh in less than a month, the EU observed. “The EU expects the government of Bangladesh to ensure freedom of expression as a fundamental human right and to promote respect,” said the Spokesperson mentioning that it is also essential to ensure the protection and safety of all citizens. The EU, a politico-economic union of 28 member states in Europe, expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. France, in a separate statement from Paris, also condemned the recent killings in Bangladesh and urged the authorities to bring the culprits behind the killings to justice.
“The culprits must be brought to justice,” France said saying it stands aside Bangladesh in its fight against terrorism. France condemned the murders of Professor Rezaul Karim Siddiquee, Hindu priest Paramananda Roy and two LDBT rights defenders, Xulhaz Mannan and Mahbub Tonoy. “These outrageous killings come in addition to a series of murders occurring in Bangladesh these last months against civil society members, rights defenders and representatives of religious minorities,” read the statement distributed by France Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday. France conveyed its condolences to the families and friends of the victims.
Meanwhile, Australia also sought swift investigation into these murders condemned the recent murders in Bangladesh. “We trust these acts will be investigated swiftly and that those responsible will face justice,” said Australian High Commissioner in Dhaka Greg Wilcock. The High Commissioner said Australia stands with Bangladesh, as they stand with other international partners, in opposing intolerance and violent extremism.
He said, Australia condemns the recent murders in Bangladesh – as they condemned previous such attacks.
In his statement on recent events in Bangladesh, the High Commissioner said the victims were respected citizens. “We offer our condolences to their families, friends and communities.”
Earlier, the United Nations, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, Norway, USAID, Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) also condemned the recent killings and sought prompt and effective investigations into the murders.
