EU calls for united stand against ‘actions of violent extremism’

European Union has called for a united stand against murders like those of online activist Oyasiqur Rahman and writer blogger Avijit Roy.

Desk reportbdnews24.com
Published : 2 April 2015, 08:12 AM
Updated : 2 April 2015, 08:12 AM

In a statement on Thursday, the EU called on the government, political parties and civil society to “stand together against the actions of violent extremists in Bangladesh.”

Terming such killings as ‘attack on free speech and democracy’, the spokesperson said, “The murder of  Oyasiqur Rahman in Dhaka on 30 March is the second attack in a month that has targeted bloggers in Bangladesh.”

“These murderers must be swiftly brought to justice."

The statement also highlighted the fact that Bangladesh is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which recognises freedom of expression as a human right.

The EU pointed out that ‘tolerance and dialogue are essential elements of a democratic society’ and reiterated their commitment to freedom of expression and freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief.

Online activist Oyasiqur Rahman was hacked to death in Tejgaon area on Mar 30, little over a month after the similar killing of writer-blogger Avijit Roy in Dhaka University.

Both the attacks were sudden and marked by the use of sharp weapons to hit the head.

Two madrasah students were held in connection to Oyasiqur’s murder and they admitted to killing him for his writings.

Avijit was also under such threat and law enforcers suspect extremists as responsible for his murder.

The EU delegation to Bangladesh had condemned the Mar 30 murder immediately after the incident.

US and France also issued statements blasting the killing.