Bangladesh Unrest: EU Condemns Excessive Force Against Protesters, Calls for Justice
A violent crackdown on student protesters in Bangladesh has left at least 206 people dead, sparking widespread condemnation from the European Union (EU). The unrest began with rallies against civil service job quotas, which critics claim are used to stack public jobs with loyalists of the ruling Awami League party.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned the “use of excessive” force against protesters, expressing deep concern over the deaths of officers and the “torture, mass arrests, and damage to property that have taken place.” Borrell called for an investigation and demanded that those responsible be brought to justice.
“There must be full accountability for the numerous instances of use of excessive and lethal force by the law enforcement authorities against protesters and others,” he said in a statement. “We will follow closely the actions of the authorities in the context of this crisis and, with the fundamentals of EU-Bangladesh relations in mind, expect all human rights to be fully respected.”
The clashes were some of the worst of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year tenure, with her government deploying troops and imposing a nationwide internet shutdown to quell the unrest. The internet shutdown was rescinded on Sunday.
The EU’s condemnation is a significant blow to the Bangladeshi government, which has faced international criticism over its human rights record. The country has seen a surge in protests and clashes in recent months, with students demanding reforms to the country’s quota system.
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