The ongoing student protests in Bangladesh have drawn significant international attention, with both the UN and the US calling for the protection of fundamental rights. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has urged Bangladeshi authorities to engage with the student protesters, emphasizing the need for an investigation into acts of violence and the use of force that have resulted in loss of life. Türk highlighted that freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are essential human rights that must be upheld [14a7456b].
In a related development, the US State Department has also stressed the importance of upholding freedoms for all Bangladeshis as crucial for a true democratic future. Vedant Patel, the Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the State Department, made these remarks during a briefing on November 13, 2024. He underscored the significance of freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and media rights, stating that these elements are vital for democracy. Patel expressed concern over the cancellation of press accreditation cards by the interim government, labeling it 'unfortunate' if true [129249a3].
The convergence of these statements from both the UN and the US underscores a growing international consensus on the need for Bangladesh to foster an environment where dissenting voices can be heard and where human rights are respected. The calls for accountability and engagement with protesters reflect a broader concern for the state of democracy in Bangladesh as it grapples with internal challenges [14a7456b][129249a3].