United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker
Türk has expressed his concern over the detention of a large number of leaders
and workers belonging to opposition parties in Bangladesh.
He also laid emphasis on dialogues between the political
parties and reconciliation, according to the Office of the High Commissioner
for Human Rights on Monday.
“In Bangladesh, I am concerned that thousands of opposition
party leaders and activists remain in detention, and that a number of deaths in
custody have been reported since October, Türk told the 55th session of the
Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday while updating on global affairs.
“While I condemn any form of political violence, I urge a
swift review of all these cases, with a view to their release, to encourage
political dialogue and reconciliation,” he said.
“I continue to be concerned by allegations that the justice
system is being used to harass human rights advocates, journalists and civil
society leaders. I encourage investigation into alleged enforced disappearances
and extrajudicial killings, in line with international standards,” he added.