The United Nations has urged the security forces in Bangladesh to help people hold peaceful assembly and protests respecting their rights.
"Our comment is essentially the same as what we've been saying for the previous protests - that we encourage the right to peaceful protest to be respected by all," said Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq.
He made the remarks when a questioner drew his attention about student protesters' obstruction of people who went to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi-32 on the 49th anniversary of his murder on August 15.
"And we call on security forces to ensure that no one engaging in peaceful protest is harmed," said the Deputy Spokesperson.
The UN also said they are willing to support the interim government and people of Bangladesh as required.
"Regarding what you said about support for Bangladesh, I can certainly confirm that we remain willing to support the Government and people of Bangladesh as needed," said Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq while responding to a question from Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey on August 15.
High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus discussed a "comprehensive range of support" their office could provide to the interim government and the transition, including accountability issues.
Farhan said a team will visit Dhaka from next week to discuss areas of support and the modalities for an investigation of human rights violations in the context of the recent violence and unrest.
