UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over rising violence in Bangladesh, stressing that all minorities must feel safe. The UN said it was alarmed by recent attacks, including the lynching of Hindus, and emphasised that people who do not belong to the majority must be protected. Mr Guterres showed his confidence that the government led by Muhammad Yunus would work keep every single Bangladeshi safe.

Violence has intensified following political unrest after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August last year, and the recent outbreak of violence has roused concern. The killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, who had been the spokesperson for the Inquilab Manch, further fueled tensions earlier this month. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk last week called for calm, warning that retaliation and revenge would deepen divisions, especially with elections scheduled for February.