UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Wednesday said the election period will be an important time for Bangladesh to maximise civic and political space, reports UNB.
Bachelet also mentioned that freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly of political activists, human rights defenders, opposition parties and journalists are important.
In press conference UN High Commissioner said, "There needs to be space for more dialogue among political parties in the country and with a wide range of civil society actors to prevent grievances from building and erupting in social unrest."
It is also important to ensure that law enforcement forces have the necessary training to manage protests without resorting to the excessive use of force, she added.
Bachelet thanked the government of Bangladesh for inviting her to visit the country, the first by a High Commissioner for Human Rights.
"I hope this visit will build on the government’s engagement with the UN’s human rights mechanisms and help deepen cooperation with us, furthering the promotion and protection of human rights in Bangladesh," she said.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
