The United Nations (UN) on Sunday urgently called upon all parties to keep everyone - including children and young people - safe on the roads and safe from any kind of violence.
“UN agencies are increasingly concerned for the safety of children and young people caught up in recent protests over road safety in Dhaka and other parts of the country,” reads a statement by the UN office in Dhaka issued on Sunday.
Students and young people have a legitimate right to speak out on issues of concern to them including road safety issues and to have their opinion heard without the threat of violence, it said.
“We are deeply concerned about the reports of violence and call on all for calm. The concerns expressed by youth about road safety are legitimate and a solution is needed for a mega city like Dhaka,” the statement quoted UN Resident Coordinator Mia Seppo.
The UN statement said it is a matter of deep concern that a number of young people taking part in demonstrations in the capital have been injured over the last few days.
The US Embassy has also condemned the attacks on student protesters. In post on its verified Facebook page, it said “nothing can justify” the attacks on demonstrating students.
“While we do not condone the actions of a few who have engaged in senseless property destruction, including of buses and other vehicles, nothing can justify the brutal attacks and violence over the weekend against the thousands of young people who have been peacefully exercising their democratic rights in supporting a safer Bangladesh.”