European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has condemned the “use of excessive force against protesters” and the “torture, mass arrests, and property damage” in Bangladesh following recent violent clashes that left at least 206 people dead.
The violence erupted after student rallies against civil service job quotas this month, and the death toll based on police and hospital data includes several police officers.
Borrell expressed deep concern over the loss of life among officers and called for an investigation, urging accountability and justice for those responsible.
“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,” he added.
Despite the severe unrest witnessed during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina‘s 15-year tenure, the government has managed to largely restore order by employing mass arrests, troop deployments, and a country-wide internet shutdown that was lifted on Sunday.