Statement by the EU Spokesperson on the murder of bloggers in Bangladesh

2015

Dhaka, April 2 (NsNewsWire) — The European Union (EU) in a statement has called upon Bangladeshi government authorities, political parties and civil society to stand together against the actions of violent extremists.

The statement issued from Brussels on April 1 was received here on Thursday.

“The murder of Washiqur Rahman in Dhaka on 30 March is the second attack in a month that has targeted bloggers in Bangladesh. The killings of Washiqur Rahman and Avijit Roy are an attack on free speech and democracy.

Freedom of expression is recognised as a human right by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Bangladesh is a party. The EU reiterates its deep commitment to freedom of expression and freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief. Tolerance and dialogue are essential elements of a democratic society.

Government authorities, political parties and civil society should stand together against the actions of violent extremists in Bangladesh. The perpetrators of these murders must be swiftly brought to justice.”