Concerned UN calls for 'investigation', 'prosecution' of killings in Bangladesh

Militants have killed more than 30 people in the country, including members of religious minorities, liberal bloggers, among others

Expressing concern at the significant increase in murders in Bangladesh, the United Nations on Monday called for investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators of the crimes.

"I am very concerned about the dramatic increase in number of brutal murders in Bangladesh that target freethinkers, liberals, religious minorities and LGBT activists," Daily Star quoted UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein as saying.

Delivering his address before the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, he urged the investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators of these vicious crimes be made a priority with full respect for human rights.

"I also urge all government officials, political and religious leaders to unequivocally condemn these attacks on freedom and to do more to protect affected groups," he added.

In an official release from UN in Geneva, the UN High Commissioner also shed light on the "preventable calamities" and worrying trends in human rights around the world, including concerns about the situation in more than 50 countries.

Bangladesh has been witnessing a spate of attacks in recent times.

Militants have killed more than 30 people in the country, including members of religious minorities, liberal bloggers and academicians, since February last year.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has launched countrywide anti-militancy crackdown in the country to stop a wave of attacks on minorities and activists.

According to latest reports, over 3,200 people have been detained by the authorities countrywide.