Staff Reporter :
The United Nations (UN), the United States of America (USA) and France in separate statements have condemned the murder of blogger and independent writer Washiqur Rahman.
They also have reiterated their attachment to freedom of opinion and expression, including online expression.
In a statement on Tuesday, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Robert Watkins expressed his abhorrence at the brutal killing of Washiqur Rahman Babu.
“The UN in Bangladesh expresses its abhorrence at the brutal killing of Washiqur Rahman Babu, which is part of a worrying trend of attacks against online activists,” he said.
While noting the ongoing police investigation, the UN said that such murder contributes to a reduction in the freedom of expression and opinion in the country, he added.
The UN also expressed deep concern over attacks on different journalists and other intellectuals in Bangladesh in the recent days.
“…It’s a matter of tremendous concern that different journalists and other intellectuals have been attacked,” said Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, at a regular briefing in the UN headquarters on Monday.
He said, the UN has been calling for the respect of basic rights in Bangladesh, including the rights of people to freedom of expression.
The Deputy Spokesman, however, said, he does not have any high-level travel to Bangladesh to announce at this stage. “…But you’re aware of our concerns.” Independent writer Washiqur Rahman was stabbed to death in broad daylight in Tejgaon Industrial areas of Dhaka on Monday morning.
In another statement, the United States of America (USA) has expressed deep shock adding that “We are horrified and deeply saddened by the murder of Washiqur Rahman Babu, and we offer our condolences to his family and friends,” said the USA Embassy in Dhaka in a statement on Tuesday.
It said, the United States firmly supports freedom of expression for all people and this is a universal human right, both in Bangladesh and throughout the world. “We stand in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh as they confront religious intolerance and violence,” said the statement.
Apart from it, France has condemned the murder of independent writer Washiqur Rahman and has reiterated its attachment to freedom of opinion and expression, including online expression. “France conveys its condolences to family and his relatives of Washiqur Rahman Babu,” said a statement issued by the France Embassy in Dhaka.
A month after the murder of writer and blogger Avijit Roy, France called on the authorities to investigate these revolting acts. Earlier, the European Union (EU) condemned the brutal assault on and killing of blogger Washiqur Rahman.
“The Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh condemns the brutal assault and killing of blogger Washiqur Rahman this (Monday) morning in Dhaka,” EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Pierre Mayaudon said in a message.
Blogger Rahman was stabbed to death in broad daylight in Tejgaon Industrial Area of Dhaka on Monday morning.
UNB, adds:
The horrifying murder of a blogger who was hacked to death in Dhaka on Monday, must act as a ‘wake up call’ to the authorities on the need to create a safe environment for journalists and activists to express their views, rights group Amnesty International said in a statement yesterday.
Washiqur Rahman was killed near his home in broad daylight, the second violent killing of a Bangladeshi blogger in the space of a month. His murder followed US-based writer and atheist blogger Avijit Roy, who was killed by individuals bearing machetes in a busy part of the capital under heavy security cover. He had previously received threats for his atheist views. Police have arrested one suspect, but made little progress towards identifying the killers.
“The despicable murder of Avijit Roy last month should have led authorities to step up protection measures for bloggers and others at risk. The killing of Washiqur Rahman yesterday is another clear example of the Bangladeshi government’s utter failure to ensure the safety of those at risk. How many more bloggers will have to be attacked before action is taken?” said Abbas Faiz, Bangladesh Researcher at London-based Amnesty International.Authorities must immediately and thoroughly investigate both killings, ensure those suspected of committing the crimes are brought to justice, and ensure meaningful protection for journalists and bloggers at risk of attack, said Faiz on behalf of AI.
“Perpetrators must learn that they will not get away with these heinous acts and must be brought to justice. The lack of prosecutions in these types of cases, even after investigations are carried out, sends a message that these barbaric actions are tolerated. “The message must be crystal clear: freedom of thought and expression are basic human rights which must be fully respected by all,” Abbas Faiz said.
