Staff Reporter :
The United Nations has deplored the killing of young BUET student Abrar Fahad, saying freedom of speech is a human right.
“Freedom of speech is a human right, and nobody should be harassed, tortured or killed for exercising it,” said the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh in a statement on Wednesday.
The UN Bangladesh noted steps taken by the authorities to apprehend alleged perpetrators, the statement reads.
“It encourages independent investigations that should lead to justice being served in a fair process, and measures to ensure prevention of further incidents,” according to the statement.
It mentioned that campus violence in Bangladesh has over the years affected and claimed too many lives, with apparent impunity for those bearing responsibility.
On the other hand, the British High Commission in Dhaka, in a Facebook post on its verified page, said they are shocked and saddened at the events in the BUET.
“Shocked and saddened by events at BUET. The UK stands unconditionally for free speech, media freedom, human rights and the rule of law,” the message reads.
Abrar, a second-year student of BUET’s EEE department, was beaten to death, allegedly by leaders of Bangladesh Chhatra League, in the university’s Sher-e-Bangla Hall on night Monday. Meanwhile, at a programme on Wednesday, UN Resident Coordinator Mia Seppo called for quick investigation and justice over the killing.
