He urged authorities to “a prompt, impartial, thorough and transparent investigation, in accordance with international human rights standards“, calling for restraint as Bangladesh heads towards February 2026 parliamentary elections, its spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said at a regular news conference in New York.
Mr Guterres also called for calm and urged all parties “refrain from violence, reduce tensions and exercise maximum restraint to maintain a peaceful electoral environment.”
The killing also raised similar concerns with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk said he was “deeply disturbed” by Mr Hadi’s death after he was shot last week.
“Retaliation and revenge will only deepen divisions and undermine the rights of all.Mr Türk said in one statement issued in Geneva, following the call for accountability of those responsible.
Renewed unrest
According to media reports, 32-year-old youth leader Hadi was shot by masked assailants as he left a mosque in Dhaka on December 12. He was taken to a hospital in Singapore for treatment, where he later died from his injuries.
Following the announcement of his death on Thursday, protests broke out in several parts of Bangladesh.
According to media reports, thousands of protesters took to the streets of the capital, setting fire to or destroying some buildings. Authorities said several properties, including buildings housing major newspapers, were set on fire and journalists were reportedly attacked during the unrest.
A vulnerable political moment
The unrest comes against the backdrop of a dramatic political shift last year. Led by students in July 2024 protests The initially demanding reforms of labor quotas for civil servants were met with violent action by security forces and pro-government groups.
Although the quota system was later revoked, the demonstrations grew into a nationwide movement calling on then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign and be held accountable for the violent suppression of the protests.
By early August the situation had escalated sharply. Sheikh Hasina, who had ruled Bangladesh since 2009 after a previous term from 1996 to 2001, fled the country on August 5 under mounting pressure.
This was later revealed by an investigation led by the UN Up to 1,400 people – including many children – may have died during the unrest in July and August, in which thousands were injured.
Protect fundamental freedoms
Mr. Hadi emerged as one of the movement’s most prominent youth leaders and was planning to run for parliament in the February 2026 elections, according to media reports.
With the campaigns set to start soon, the UN rights chief stressed that it is crucial to ensure an environment in which all individuals can safely and peacefully participate in public life and freely express different views.
“I urge the authorities to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and safety of journalists at this critical time, and to prevent further escalation of the unrest.said Mr. Turk.
#urging #calm #Bangladesh #killing #protest #leader #sparked #unrest