The embassies of Switzerland and the Netherlands here on Tuesday expressed concern over recent attacks on peaceful demonstrations in the capital and other cities.
“The Embassy of Switzerland observes with great concern the recent attacks on peaceful demonstrations in Dhaka and other cities,” reads a message shared on its official Facebook page.
It says the principles of human rights, including freedom of speech and assembly, are enshrined as fundamental rights in the constitutions of Bangladesh and Switzerland.
These “continued attacks” on demonstrations are in contrast with the founding principles of Bangladesh, according to the message.
The Embassy of the Netherlands, in a separate message, says it has noted with “great concern” the recent attacks on people exercising their right to engage in peaceful protests. It says freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are universal human rights.
Protection of these rights is a “cornerstone” of the Netherlands’ foreign policy and their engagement with partners, including Bangladesh, says the Dutch Embassy in Dhaka in a Facebook post.
Earlier, the US and German Embassies in Dhaka expressed solidarities with those exercising their fundamental democratic rights – freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to engage in peaceful protests.
