EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Tuesday strongly criticized the 'use of excessive' force against protesters in Bangladesh, following a series of violent incidents that resulted in at least 206 fatalities, according to an AFP tally. The unrest began with student demonstrations against civil service job quotas earlier this month, and the casualties, as reported by police and hospitals, include several police officers. Critics argue that the quota system is manipulated to fill public sector jobs with supporters of the ruling Awami League party.
Borrell expressed grave concern about the deaths of police officers, as well as the 'torture, mass arrests, and property damage' that have occurred. He urged for a thorough investigation and called for those accountable to be held responsible. 'There must be full accountability for the numerous instances of excessive and lethal force used by law enforcement authorities against protesters and others,' he stated in a formal announcement.
'We will closely monitor the actions of the authorities in this crisis situation and, keeping in mind the core principles of EU-Bangladesh relations, expect all human rights to be fully respected,' he further added. These clashes mark some of the most severe during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 15-year rule, though her government has largely re-established control through widespread arrests, military deployments, and a nationwide internet blackout, which was lifted on Sunday.
