Intolerance-related violence increasing in Bangladesh: UN

UN Resident Coordinator Robert Watkins has condemned the murders of right activists in Dhaka and said intolerance-related violence is "increasing" in Bangladesh.

He said the murderers were targeting a growing range of people whose views "may not conform with those of the majority."

The statement came after unknown assailants hacked to death gay rights activists Xulhaz Mannan and Mahbub Rabbi Tonoy on Saturday.

Watkins said the UN in Bangladesh is once again shocked by another series of brutal murders against people expressing alternative views, and that "there seems to be no end to these premeditated acts against an increasingly wide array of social activists."

"This was also manifested just two days ago by the horrific killing of Professor Rezaul Karim Siddiquee from the University of Rajshahi," he said.

He reminded that the principles of the United Nations stipulate that all individuals have an equal right to live free from violence, persecution, and discrimination.

“Violent and brutal acts that we have witnessed over the last few days need to be condemned by all political and religious leaders".

They must also be addressed through "effective and prompt" investigations by the law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.

"Impunity will only contribute to a climate of intolerance and lead to further incidents of this kind," read the statement.